Malfunctioning AC in need of repair
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A malfunctioning air conditioning unit temporarily suspended services at the call center of the Princess Margret Hospital on Monday, after employees said the heat was affecting their health.
Bahamas Public Service Union president Kimsley Ferguson said the air conditioner stopped working last week and it adds to an already long list of problems.
He said until management agrees to fix the unit, the staff will continue to sit out.
“They are very short staffed in that area as well,” he said.
“There is carpet that remains wet for days [when it floods] and no one has seen the need to remove it and persons are getting sick because of it.
“There is also mold in that area.
“This is an opportunity for the public to know that the people who are responsible for health care are not taking care of their staff.
“We will remain here until the ac unit starts working again. It is inhumane, there is no ventilation and no windows. It is unbearably hot.”
One employee said for an area that is so vital to the smooth functioning of the hospital, administration does not seem to care about their wellbeing.
“All the calls from the hospital, to the hospital and in the hospital, we are responsible for,” she said. “If there is an emergency, we activate protocol. An accident on the road, a plane crash, we call the doctors. If something happens in A&E or anywhere in PMH we are responsible. So if we are unable to work what will happen?”
Ferguson said the call center is also severely understaffed.
Eyewitness News Online attempted to contact management for comment but our calls were not returned up to press time.
