SWRHA denies long wait at Pt Fortin hospital

The petition dated February 6, addressed to Pt Fortin Mayor Abdon Mason, states there is a major backlog for surgery with an exceptionally long waiting list, with patients having to travel to San Fernando General to undergo basic surgery.

The group also noted there was no paediatrician based at the Pt Fortin hospital while there was also severe damage to the roof of the operating theatre and less than adequate facilities in the maternity ward.

However, the SWRHA pointed out that the surgical team at Area Hospital Point Fortin specialised in Gynaecology and Obstetrics surgeries only, with the average waiting time for surgeries being one month and these surgeries performed by Clinical Head Dr Sylvan Pierre. “As customary, patients are referred to the San Fernando General Hospital for surgeries of other specialities.

The San Fernando General Hospital is fully equipped to manage these surgical procedures,” the SWRHA stated.

The SWRHA also stated that a paediatrician was expected to assume duties by mid-March 2017 and, in the interim, a paediatrician was present at the Point Fortin hospital clinic on the first and third Mondays of every month.

“Also several staff members have also received neo-natal training in order to address any concerns at delivery.

This allows us to continually provide Paediatric services to our clients in the Point Fortin Community,” the SWRHA added. “The Area Hospital’s Maternity Ward was recently refurbished and the Operating Theatre’s roof was repaired in the 2014.

Ceiling works were also done in 2015,” the SWRHA stated.