The Clinical Coordinator for the Western Regional Health Authority, (WRHA) Dr. Delroy Fray, says the number of COVID-19 infections and COVID-19 pandemic has only amplified the issue of bed capacity in the region’s hospitals and has no doubt compromised the care provided to non-COVID-19 admissions.
However, he says once COVID-19 cases continue on a downward trend, health personnel will be better able to serve patients. Hospitals in the Western region have been incapacitated even before the COVID-19 pandemic began wreaking havoc on Jamaica’s public health system.
The Clinical Coordinator for the WRHA, says the issue of bed space for in-patients, is not new; he says from time-to-time regulations have to be made to deal with major emergencies, such as repurposing areas for COVID-19 patience and work best as possible in that framework. He says this is the algorithm being used at the Savanna-La-Mar Public General, Noel Holmes, Falmouth, and Cornwall Regional Hospitals.
While acknowledging that the situation at Cornwall Regional is not ideal, Dr. Fray notes that allegations of inhumane treatment being meted out to patients at the hospital are very strong. However, he says once the COVID-19 infections in the western region continue to trend down, patients will receive better service.
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