Water woes experienced in Suva over the past week forced some expectant mothers admitted at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital to return home to shower and use the restroom.
A few of these expectant mothers who contacted The Fiji Times team said there was no water at the ward and the toilets were locked. This happened on Wednesday as expectant mothers claimed they could not use the toilets.
“We can’t use any toilets and we guess it’s because there is no water so some asked to go home, shower and get a good rest before returning to the hospital at 3pm,” a patient said.
Shalendra Prasad, a relative of a patient, said he had to pick his niece from the hospital and returned her later in the afternoon.
“They said they’ve had no water and were only supplied bottled water for drinking but no water in the toilets and bathrooms.”
The Ministry of Health’s permanent secretary Dr Jemesa Tudravu said his team had been working closely with the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to address the water needs at CWM Hospital, and in particular, critical service areas such as the maternity department.
“The WAF has prioritised the carting of water to CWM Hospital and other health facilities located in affected areas of Suva to minimise the disruption in health service,” he said.
“Technical teams from the Public Works Ministry have been assisting the hospital service team at the CWM Hospital in attending to the water storage and water piping and deliver systems at the hospital to deliver safe and clean water at service areas for patients and staff at the hospital.
“Water supply to different parts of the hospital may vary at times depending on the adequacy of water and the water pressure in the water piping system.”
Dr Tudravu said the ministry acknowledged the challenges that patients, mothers, children, and their carers faced at the hospital at this time because of water supply issues.
“The hospital team is taking all actions to address the water needs of patients, relatives and staff at the hospital, and ask all those affected to bear with the hospital at this time,” he said.
“Staff at CWM Hospital and all affected health facilities are continuing to give their best to attend to all patients seeking attention at our health facilities.”
