Worrell says QEH is ‘crying out for help’

Newly sworn-in Senator Andre Worrell says the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) is an institution in crisis, pointing to the severe challenges facing the primary health-care facility on the island.

Calling for immediate government intervention to address the growing concerns, he  described the QEH as being “in a situation where [it] is crying out for help, crying out for resources, crying out for staff, crying out for the type of intervention that will bring relief to those people who find themselves there seeking medical attention.” 

Speaking during a press conference at the opposition leader’s office on Hincks Street, he noted that the hospital is severely under-resourced and understaffed, leading to long wait times and substandard conditions for patients. “When you go to that institution, it is not what we as Barbadians deserve,” he asserted

The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) acting president’s concerns extended beyond the QEH to the Psychiatric Hospital, where a patient lost his life under disturbing circumstances.

He said there was a need for better management and care at the facility. He further called for a thorough investigation into the incident, demanding that the hospital’s protocols be reviewed and improved to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. “We must never again have a situation where a psychiatric patient loses his life in that manner,” he said.

Worrell, who is the DLP’s spokesperson on health matters, was particularly critical of the management style within the health-care system, which he argued has led to frustration among staff and an exodus of doctors and nurses. 

“Doctors and nurses are leaving the QEH because they are frustrated with the way the institution is being managed,” the opposition senator observed. He also noted that the government’s mismanagement is exacerbating the existing problems within the health-care sector, calling for a change in leadership and approach.

On the issue of transparency in the government’s handling of public health issues, Worrell suggested this was lacking, citing a recent case of Mpox, which he said the Ministry of Health chose not to disclose promptly to the public.  

He criticised the government for its failure to communicate effectively. “There was a case of monkeypox that the Ministry of Health chose to keep quiet about. The public was not informed in a timely manner,” he said. “The Ministry of Health must do better. It must communicate more effectively with the public.”

The Senator called on Minister of Health and Wellness, Senator Jerome Walcott to be more vocal and transparent about the challenges facing the health-care system. 

“[He] needs to come forward and speak to the people of Barbados about what is happening in our health-care system,” Worrell demanded, arguing his silence on these critical issues is unacceptable. “We cannot afford to be complacent. We must be vigilant and prepared for any public health emergency that may arise.” (RG)