OVERCROWDING at the Emergency Department of Colonial War Memorial Hospital is being attributed primarily to a shortage of space, with Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu confirming that an expansion is planned.
The issue was raised in Parliament after Opposition MP Rinesh Sharma described the Emergency Department at the Suva hospital as overcrowded and chaotic, with critical patients sometimes forced to sit on benches while doctors and nurses work under pressure.
Mr Sharma asked whether temporary structures could be introduced while the department awaited expansion.
Dr Lalabalavu said the Emergency Department expansion formed part of the Pacific Healthy Islands Transformation Project, which included plans to expand the Accident and Emergency area.
The minister later confirmed that the problem at the Emergency Department was a “space issue” after Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu asked whether patients waiting for more than a day without beds reflected a shortage of beds, space or both.
Meanwhile, concerns were also raised about the care and misuse of hospital equipment.
MP Alvick Maharaj questioned who would be held responsible when wheelchairs, fixtures and other expensive equipment were damaged or abused.
Dr Lalabalavu said responsibility rested with everyone using or managing public assets, with nursing supervisors responsible for monitoring equipment within hospital wards and reporting damage or misuse.
The Government’s hospital upgrade program is expected to improve both patient care and the condition of medical facilities nationwide.
