SECURITY at the St Giles Hospital remains “stringent.”
This was shared by Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu while addressing claims regarding the alleged escape of a suspect from St Giles Hospital.
The allegations surfaced after Samuela Tawase, a suspect in a high-profile criminal case, was reported to have escaped from the psychiatric facility on July 19.
Tawase was sent to St Giles for psychiatric evaluation five days prior to the alleged escape.
Sources confirm that he was apprehended the following day in Valelevu.
Speaking to this newspaper, Dr Lalabalavu said he had not yet been formally informed of any security breach but said the hospital’s commitment to patient and staff safety.
“At St Giles, we take security seriously in terms of ensuring that patients are well looked after and also staff as well,” Dr Lalabalavu said.
“There was an issue raised before on the fencing, the wall that has been rectified.
“Right now, it is about looking after the patient’s welfare in an environment that is conducive to them and also about looking after the welfare of the staff and those working there.”
He added that security remains a top priority at the hospital.
Tawase was charged in connection with the alleged act of sacrilege at the Shiv Mandir in Suva.
He is currently remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court today.
