Car Park, footpath at CWM

I write this open letter to the Minister for Health requesting him to make a submission to the Budget 22 consultation team to include the upgrading of the car park and construct a footpath at the back of the new and old wings at CWM Hospital.

I am a regular visitor to the CWM, and I am deeply perturbed by the neglect of improving parking facilities and providing a footpath from the Hoodless House to the New Wing at Extension St.

Students staying at the hostel have to walk over a muddy patch between the two wings to reach FNU-run Fiji School of Medicine at the lower end of Extension St. Vehicles are parked along this route behind the two wings.

The area is muddy, bumpy and clogged with pools of stagnant water (ideal for breeding mosquitoes).

Above all the area is not OHS (Occupational Health & Safety) compliant. Does the OHS Act apply to CWM Hospital? If it does, why is it not being practised!

The area in question needs to be graded and gravelled as an immediate measure to avoid any serious mishap.

The current temporary walkway is a public hazard. Walkers can easily tumble into the ravine, get hurt or even die.

The hospital administration has not bothered to provide the safety railings along the route as well.

This issue should be treated as an urgent public safety measure and all corrective actions be taken immediately.

The car parks in front of the two wings and the NDC (National Diabetes Centre) simply cannot cope. They are always packed to capacity and the vehicle owners are forced to park on the footpath and get booked for doing so.

Therefore, my humble appeal, on behalf of the staff, students and visitors to CWM Hospital, to the Honourable Minister, please act.