With the temporary reduction of some health services, Atkins wants to assure the public the hospital is placing quality healthcare at the forefront. SNO spoke with Ms. Atkins to learn of some short-term measures currently in place to address staff shortages at the institution.

 “[We] are liaising with both the Ministry of Health and the Cuban Medical Brigade to ensure we have adequate coverage to return to normal operations at the soonest opportunity.”, Ms. Atkins explained. “Dr. Adelaide Moonie, Acting Medical Director, is also working with HR to fast-track the recruitment of additional medical staff to close our current gap.”

Unfortunately, she says, this current gap has forced the hospital to reduce services. However, Ms. Atkins assures, the services which remain in operation get the full support of the present staff. These services include responding to health emergencies.

“In response, we have reduced services while we work on adequately staffing units…providing optimum care to persons coming to the Emergency Room for Urgent care.”, she said. In the interim, she encourages the public to “access care through their nearest primary care facilities.”

According to Ms. Atkins, staff have continued to show resilience over the years, calling them heroes. The reduced services of the hospital take effect on Wednesday 9th August 2023 and are expected to end on Monday, August 14th 2023