Pregnant women get sanitised clinic

THE North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) said yesterday that the Labour and Delivery Departments at Mount Hope Women’s Hospital were fully operational as the area has been “thoroughly clean and sanitised.” In a short media release, the NWRHA also said expectant mothers could access the unit for delivery of their babies. Meanwhile, at the evacuated neo-natal unit workmen were busy yesterday afternoon refurbishing the area. Lockers and equipment from the unit were left outside. Babies from the neo-natal Intensive Care Unit were being accommodated across the hallway from where the work was taking place. A sign on the door stated that only parents would be allowed inside the room.

A source told Newsday yesterday that 15 pounds of dust were removed from the air ducts of the east wing (neo-natal unit) last week in the sanitisation exercise which began on Wednesday and was completed yesterday. He said the ceiling also had “pounds of dust.” “The whole building is filthy,” he said. Mattresses being used at the hospital were old and appeared as if they were never cleaned. The source said it is believed they are responsible for patients having itchy skin. Chairs are old and cabinets rusty. A thorough cleaning of the neo-natal unit and surrounding areas was ordered by the Health Ministry after reports of an increased incidence of enterobacter bacteria in babies at unit. Health Minister Colm Imbert has ordered an investigation to determine who is responsible for unsanitary conditions at Mt Hope and if there is any connection between conditions at the hospital and the deaths of 15 babies last month.

The source said cleaners have complained that they don’t have equipment to work with except dirty, old mops and buckets. They also griped about not receiving training in cleaning. He said the building accommodating the women’s hospital is in a “bad condition.” A crew of about 30 workers from Century 21 Janitorial Services and Caribbean Air Duct have been busy sanitising floors, beds, mattresses, hospital furniture and equipment. They are using a vacuum cleaner/super heated steam to 180 degrees to kill the organisms responsible for the majority of Hospital Acquired Infections including staphylococci, Entero-cocci, Coliforms (including Salmonella), and also fungi.