Addition of over 100 new beds among remedial measures being undertaken by UHWI after nurses raise concerns about working conditions

The addition of over 100 new beds, is among measures being undertaken by the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) in response to concerns raised by nurses at the Accident and Emergency Department.

The upset nurses staged a protest on Tuesday to highlight their concerns about over-crowding, deplorable bathroom facilities, non functional air conditioning units, among other issues.

Following a meeting with management and assurances of improvement, the nurses returned to normal duties.

In a statement yesterday, the hospital said it is advancing a broad programme of institutional reforms aimed at improving patient care, strengthening accountability and enhancing the systems that support healthcare delivery across the institution.

The reforms are intended to improve service delivery, strengthen hospital operations and reinforce confidence in the institution.

As part of these efforts, UHWI is making targeted investments in patient care infrastructure, and service delivery while implementing reforms designed to improve transparency, accountability and operational effectiveness.

The hospital has begun implementing a series of governance, and procurement reforms, including the mandatory use of the electronic procurement platform, enhanced procurement requirements, procurement training for key stakeholders and an independent review of procurement operations and procedures.

Among the key improvements underway, are the introduction of 120 new medical beds and the renovation of the medical annex, which has been closed for several years.

Located near the Accident and Emergency department the renovated facility is expected to improve patient flow, ease pressure on key service areas and support a more efficient care experience for patients and their families.

The hospital is also taking steps, to improve access to essential medications through the ongoing restocking of its pharmacy and efforts to increase the availability of prescription drugs and other pharmaceuticals.

These initiatives are intended to improve access to care and enhance the patient experience.

In addition to improvements in patient services and infrastructure, UHWI has implemented a number of measures aimed at strengthening its financial position and operational stability.

These include progress in recovering outstanding revenue, addressing long-standing obligations to staff and suppliers, and improving the systems and processes that support financial accountability across the institution.

The hospital has also secured a provisional tax compliance certificate and engaged an external auditing firm to undertake audits for the 2021 to 2025 financial years.

These measures are intended to enhance accountability, improve transparency and reinforce confidence in the institution’s financial management, and oversight processes.

Chairman of the UHWI board, Patrick Hylton said the reforms represent an important step in strengthening the institution and positioning it to better serve patients, staff and stakeholders.