X-ray Department under crime siege

Chief Radiographer at the A and E, Jasmine Hodges, yesterday said crime "has definitely added to the workload." She made the remark at the opening of the new X-ray annex at the A and E in response to a question from the media about the impact of spiraling crime on the X-ray service.

A release provided by the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) stated that 98,584 patients were seen in the A and E last year, and 43,484 from January to June this year.

A release said general X-rays were done at a minimum of 100 per three shift day.

At a recent NWRHA public board meeting, NWRHA chief executive officer Cynthia Carrington-Murray said there was a 15 percent increase in the number of motor vehicle accidents, gunshot and stab wounds seen in the surgical theatre and A and E.

Health Minister John Rahael said motor vehicle accidents were increasing and impacting on the service.

Delivering remarks at the opening, he said approximately 100,000 people were seen at the Casualty Department annually.

The installation of a new X-ray machine was part of the "effort to provide quality care to citizens in TT."

Rahael said he expected greater efficiency, reduction in waiting time, and earlier diagnoses.

Approximately 30,000 people will benefit from the new machine.

Noting the reason people complained about long waiting times, Rahael reminded the public that the purpose of an A and E is to treat emergencies and the "first stop" for other cases should be health centres.

He advised the public, "When you come to the A and E, you have to understand when there is an emergency, staff will have to attend to those emergencies before they attend to you."

He also spoke of upgrade work being completed at all health centres and district health facilities in the East, and the start of work on the Chaguanas and St James district heath facilities, Oxford Street enhanced health facility, and Diego Martin Health Centre.