Turnbull raises concerns over hospital bedding, supply shortages

Second District Representative Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull has raised concerns about worn bedding and supply shortages at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital, calling for replacement plans, regular maintenance, and greater priority for healthcare spending.

Speaking on NDP Radio, Turnbull said he had visited the hospital recently and observed the condition of sheets and blankets. He questioned what arrangements existed to replace them and said inadequate supplies affected patients’ experience.

“Maintenance and upkeep is a major challenge. It’s not done on a regular and then supplies, et cetera,” Turnbull said.

He described the sheets and blankets as worn and said some sheets were thin enough to see through. He also suggested seeking support from people within the community and internationally to help provide such items.

Turnbull said the lack of necessary supplies diminished the quality of a stay at the hospital or a clinic. He called for planning to address those needs alongside maintaining healthcare facilities.

The National Democratic Party vice-chairman also welcomed news that the hospital’s main doors had been repaired. He said he had read about the repairs on Facebook that day and praised the security officer who had opened and closed the heavy doors.

His comments followed earlier public concerns about medical supplies at the hospital. The Health Services Authority previously suggested that reports of shortages could reflect the timing of restocking or delays in reporting low supplies.

The authority said it was reviewing a policy that placed certain supplies under the charge nurse’s oversight to improve distribution and accountability. That statement addressed concerns raised at the time.

During the discussion, Turnbull also referred to a meeting about conditions at the Iris O’Neal Clinic. He criticised the emphasis on the cost of addressing problems and called for greater consideration of doctors, nurses, custodial workers, orderlies and emergency medical personnel.

He urged the government to direct spending toward healthcare needs and show improvements through both physical works and the services patients receive.

“We need to physically see certain things and the things that you can’t see physically would be now the service and the quality of the service that comes out of it,” Turnbull said.