Flies shut down SFGH Radiology Dept... again

THE RADIOLOGY Department of the San Fernando General Hospital was shut down on Tuesday indefinitely because of a continuing fly infestation.

The source of what is causing thousands of blue flies to infiltrate the X-Ray department remains unknown, San Fernando General Hospital’s authorities told Newsday. SFGH’s manager Indira Maharaj yesterday confirmed the closure of the department was due to the continuing probe into the original source of what has been described as large blue flies. The entire staff consisting of radiologists, medical doctors, radiographers and clerical personnel were sent home  when the department was ordered closed. The hospital’s Medical Chief of Staff Dr Austin Trinidade, as well as the Ministry of Health, have been notified of the problem.

On Monday morning, employees were greeted with the blue flies on desks, filing cabinets, ceilings and walls. The offices were sprayed by Insect Vector Control, but yesterday employees returned to a similar situation. Within minutes after resumption of duties, employees complained of itchy throats, shortness of breath and burning eyes. One doctor experienced a nauseous feeling in the head. An office housing one of the x-ray machines was completely infested.

Acting senior radiographer, Vidya Ramsubhag, immediately notified Maharaj and Dr Trinidade about the situation. The employees were asked to leave the offices in the department. There were three elderly patients with scheduled appointments for x-rays. There were a few young children with referrals from Health Centres for immediate attention. The elderly patients who had been fasting in preparation for the x-rays as well as the children were asked to leave. The doctors forced to vacate were specialist radiologist Dr Collin Premdass, Dr Avula Murali, Dr Fidel Rampersad and Dr Kavi Rampersad.