New QEH wing flooded

Workers at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) concerned about repeat flooding in the new annex of the Accident & Emergency department have been reassured that the issue is being worked on.

Responding to today’s flooding issues, the second major such incident since the facility opened last year, Executive Chairman of the QEH Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland acknowledged the problem but told Barbados TODAY, that “new buildings occasionally bring with them challenges”.

She said the corrective action will be at no further cost to government.

“A retention is held back from contractors’ fees for a period of six months to one year so that any challenges which occur can be repaired by the contractor. We did have a burst pipe in the new AED. The contractors are engaged in making the repairs,” she said.

“The contractor, Integrated Plumbing Solutions, came on site, made the repairs today. We are sure they would apologize for inconvenience caused to our staff and patients. We have been pleased with their responsiveness to the situation,” Bynoe-Sutherland added.

A hospital source, who declined to be named, said staff were shocked when they reported to work this morning and were met by flooded rooms.

According to the worker, the emergency service room, otherwise referred to as the stat room which is divided into six spaces, and the corridor were most affected by the flood waters.

“All the patients had to be moved because nobody wanted to be standing in the water and slipping. They had to bring in all the general cleaners and clean up but the water was still coming. And even when they put down the sheets to soak up some of the water it felt like you were walking on ice. It is sad and very dangerous,” the worker said. “It isn’t even a year this building finished and it flooding out so all the time.” (KC)