Spencer orders security revamp at hospitals

Health Minister Rudyard Spencer has ordered an immediate review of security arrangements at hospitals and health centres under the management of the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA).

Responding to last Thursday's robbery at the Bustamante Hospital for Children, Spencer ordered that a plan to ensure the safety of persons at these institutions be submitted to him within a week.

But Opposition Spokes-man on Health, Dr Fenton Ferguson, has expressed disappointment that the review is only now taking place.

"It was only recently when the Spanish Town Hospital was raided by gunmen that I reminded the Minister of Health, Rudyard Spencer, of his instructions to his ministry after the Bustamante Hospital for Children was invaded by gunmen the first time, to carry out a security audit of all health facilities.

"To date, the country has not been told about the findings of that audit, neither have we seen any serious security improvements," Spencer said.

Thieves entered the Bustamante Hospital compound about 8:30 p.m. last Thursday and robbed the staff at gunpoint. No one was hurt in the incident.

"I am saddened by this callous attack and hope that the perpetrators will be caught and brought to justice. I am extremely happy, however, that no one was physically harmed during the incident," said Spencer.

"We are aware that the staff has been affected by the ordeal, so we have made arrangements for them to undergo counselling. I want to assure the staff that we have taken into consideration their safety concerns and will do all we can to address these immediately," Spencer added.

Regret expressed

Lyttleton 'Tanny' Shirley, chairman of SERHA, also expressed regret over the situation. "We are extremely concerned that Bustamante Hospital for Children is now the second health facility in this region to become the target of thieves.

"As you will recall, the Spanish Town Hospital was also invaded a little over a month ago. This is definitely a clear indication that these thugs have no regard for our health facilities and the work we do to provide health care to the people of Jamaica," said Shirley.