PHA denies services significantly impacted
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — More than a dozen nurses at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre called out sick this morning after reporting they were experiencing “symptoms”, Eyewitness News understands.
When contacted, Bahamas Nurses Union (BNU) President Amancha Williams said she was made aware of the matter and was concerned about the safety of the nurses and their access to swift testing amid positive COVID-19 cases stemming from the SRC.
“They are having symptoms and they are sick,” she told Eyewitness News.
“I don’t know how many nurses, but I know it is enough to affect a clinic.
“It is enough to affect the wards and producing a challenge for management.
“So, I know that the effect it has.”
When contacted, Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) Director of Communications Judy Terrell confirmed that 14 nurses called in sick for the 8am shift at Sandilands.
Asked about the impact on the facility, Terrell said there was no known significant disruption to services.
She told Eyewitness News she would provide additional details as they become available.
According to Williams, 15 more nurses remain in self-isolation at home.
The BNU president said she also awaiting the official count of nurses in isolation from officials and the results of several other nurses who tested seven to 10 days ago.
She pointed out nurses continue to go to work at the various institution each day and remain worried about their exposure and whether their families were being placed at risk.
She said some of them also have co-morbidities, including hypertension, diabetes and asthma.
“When they are exposed it proposes a major issue for them,” Williams stressed.
According to a nurse, who spoke on condition of anonymity from the Princess Margaret Hospital, there were also grave concerns about their exposure and the measures being taken to continuously sanitize the institution amid the treatment of COVID-positive patients.
The nurse called on officials to ensure every effort is made to protect them and the wider public.
This article was updated shortly before 4pm to reflect the statement of the PHA communications director
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