Accommodation challenges for staff

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Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa with senior staff members of Labasa Hospital during a visit to the Northern Division last week. Picture: NACANIELI TUILEVUKA

THE shortage of staff accommodation across health centres in the North is a major challenge, says Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa.

Mr Ravunawa said the issue was an inherited problem that the Government has prioritised under its capital development plans.

“We are grateful to our development partners for supporting infrastructure projects across the Northern Division and throughout Fiji,” he said.

Mr Ravunawa said some facilities required major overhauls or renovations, while others needed additional housing because of the increase in staff numbers.

“In cases where accommodation is limited, staff may need to share housing.

“For example, two nurses might share a two-bedroom unit after coordinating with the matron or director of nursing to ensure comfort.”

He said discussions were ongoing to improve living conditions for staff, ensuring they could continue to serve patients effectively.