MINISTER SPENCER CONDEMNS ROBBERY AT THE BELLEVUE HOSPITAL

February 28, 2008 (MOH&E):

The Minister of Health and Environment, Hon. Rudyard Spencer, condemns last night’s robbery at the Bellevue hospital which has left patients and workers of the institution seriously traumatized.

"The Ministry strongly condemns this attack and hopes the perpetrators will be brought to justice swiftly,” Minister Spencer said while on tour of the area this morning. The Minister was accompanied by Senator Aundre Franklin, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry and Mr. Anthony Porter, CEO of the Bellevue Hospital.

Five health workers were last evening relieved of cellular phones, money and other personal belongings when a lone gunman robbed the group while on duty at the K complex at approximately 10:15pm. Total lost is estimated at ten thousand dollars ($10,000).

Since the incident the hospital has made arrangements to have immediate repairs done on the inside and outside perimeter fence at the K complex. The break in this perimeter fence facilitated the escape of the gunman. A buzzer system will also be reinstalled at the entrance point of the K1 and K2 wards where the gunman made entry to the complex.

Access to the facility will now be limited to clients and employees only. The use of the property as a byway to adjoining communities will be prohibited.

During the tour other high risk wards were also identified for special attention. Minister Spencer also gave his commitment to pursuing the erection of a police post on the compound.

The incident is the latest in a series of similar occurrences, involving health worker. In response to the problem the Ministry has intensified efforts to improve security measures at the island’s health facilities. Already a number of meetings have been held with the key health representatives and the security companies contracted to the facilities. Currently assessment teams established by the Ministry are reviewing the security measures in place at the major health facilities islandwide. Findings and subsequent recommendations will inform security actions to be taken.