Medical services

THE concerning state of medical services at the Nausori Health Centre, which is currently undergoing renovations, leading to a temporary relocation of services under a tent needs to be addressed.

During a recent visit to the health centre, I observed several issues that raise significant concerns regarding patient safety and the overall quality of care provided. The makeshift flooring, consisting of boards with holes, poses a serious risk to patients, as there is a potential for limbs to become trapped. Such hazardous conditions are unacceptable and demand immediate attention.

Furthermore, it is disconcerting to note the absence of nursing staff within the temporary tent.

Upon attempting to seek assistance in the maternity unit adjacent to the tent, I found no personnel present.

I actually managed to enter the maternity unit to call for help and to my disappointment no nurse or security was present to stop me at the door since it was a non-visiting hour (this was between 5am5.30am).

This lack of supervision creates a security risk, allowing unauthorised access during non-visiting hours.

Patient safety should be paramount, and it is essential that adequate measures are in place to address this vulnerability. Additionally,

the absence of shelter around the tent raises questions about the wellbeing of patients, particularly in inclement weather.

Given the current rainy conditions, it is unclear how patients are managing necessary visits to the washroom without adequate protection.

This aspect requires urgent consideration and intervention to ensure the comfort and dignity of those seeking medical assistance.

I urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough review of the medical services being provided at Nausori Health Centre and also health centres all around Fiji.

It is imperative that immediate action be taken to rectify the aforementioned issues, safeguarding the well-being and safety of patients. Our community deserves a healthcare facility that upholds the highest standards of service, even in temporary circumstances.

Moreover, my recent experience with the ambulance services provided in the Nausori to Suva corridor was pathetic. I called for an ambulance at 7am, one service provider did not answer, the other prominent one was fully busy at CWM, and the third asked me to wait while they “check if any beds are empty at the Nausori health centre”.

Waiting for quite long and the emergency I had, good neighbours assisted and I actually visited a private doctor. With God’s grace I was able to pay for the private hospital bills; the main concern here is what must be happening with the other fellow people of Fiji who cannot afford a private doctor. Maybe just die waiting for the admin guys to call and confirm if any bed is empty? I hope this esteemed publication will shed light on the need for improvement in our local healthcare services. ASHWINI BASANT

Nausori