Authority created in USA and Bahamas

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A Public Hospitals Authority foundation has been established in The Bahamas, and also in the United States.

The Friends of the Public Hospitals Authority Bahamas Foundation is a non-profit foundation registered in the United States.

Chairman Andrew Edwards said that through the foundation they hope to facilitate greater partnerships with philanthropists, the business community, and civic organisations to make a difference.

He indicated that the PHA is not just seeking monetary contributions.

“We welcome and humbly request contributions of equipment, funds, medical supplies, materials, time, and resources to our hospitals in an accountable and structured manner.

“We encourage the public, business, and civic organisations in The Bahamas to reach out and be the change you want to see.”

Mr Edwards called on the Bahamian public to play their part.

“The government and the PHA cannot do it alone; we implore you to partner with us,” he said.

While in Grand Bahama at the recent groundbreaking of a new medical facility, the PHA chairman said: “Improved and new facilities are needed, but a new (Freeport) Health Campus alone will not produce the health improvements we all want and require here in Grand Bahama and throughout The Bahamas.”

He explained that the new campus allows the Public Hospitals Authority to reassess its call mandate and to affirm its policies, processes, and procedures to ensure they are delivering on its promise to provide quality care and services.

Mr Edwards assured they have been engaged in systemically addressing old issues that have plagued the Authority.

“Across the PHA we have begun the challenging work of reform and improvements. We are addressing our business model, improving, accountability across the board, addressing long outstanding HR matters and shortages, training, revamping, and increasing the number of patient advocates.”

In addition to making investments in technology, he stressed that they are reworking the way they deal with patients, as well as improving patient satisfaction and experience.

“I am proud of the work we are doing. It may not be the stuff that grabs headlines, but it is the long-lasting type of work that will result in a more culpable PHA with much-improved patient experiences and outcomes,” he said.

He said that improving patient care has become the number one priority of PHA.

“We are resolute in our quest to restore public confidence in our public hospitals and agencies of the PHA. We must ensure persons at their most vulnerable moments believe they will receive world-class competent medical attention and excellent customer service when entering the doors of our institutions,” he said.

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A pit bull that mauled a woman in Grand Bahama months ago still has not been found by local Animal Control authorities.

Superintendent of Police Stephen Rolle told The Tribune on Wednesday that a third dog involved in the attack has not been seen since or located following the incident in March.

Two other pit bulls were turned over to Animal Control authorities and euthanised.

Since the incident and other attacks in the country, a parliamentarian has called for the possible ban of the popular breed.

A Bahamas Humane Society official believes it is “not a bad idea at all” to ban the breeding and ownership of pit bulls.

However, Tip Burrows, executive director of the Humane Society of Grand Bahama, believes the enforcement of laws would better address the problem.

“Enforcing a ban is pointless; it would not achieve what they think it will,” she claims. She said previous breed bans did not curb dog bites around the world.

“We are not enforcing the laws that we have currently, and laws need to be enacted and properly enforced. Irresponsible pet owners must be held accountable for letting their dogs roam or attack someone,” said the HSGB official.

Ms Burrows adds it is ironic that pit bulls and several other breeds are prohibited from being imported but no legislation bans people from having them or breeding them.

She believes the breeding of any dog needs to be regulated and restricted in some cases because of the “big pet overpopulation problem” in the country.

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Grand Bahama Port Authority has signed about $600,000 in contracts with three local companies for road works in Freeport.

Troy McIntosh, deputy director and city manager for the City of Freeport, said roadworks would begin early next month.

“Two months ago, we went to tender. Today, we are pleased to have three licencees of the Grand Bahama Port Authority here for the signing of contracts, with the intent to start work on June 5,” he said.

Waugh Construction, Frecon Construction, and Bahamas Hot Mix have been selected to carry out road resurfacing and repairs throughout several areas in Freeport.

The roads are Pearl Way and King Neptune and Paradise Lane in Seahorse Village; Lawrence Close, Grenfell Avenue, the intersection of Queens Highway and East Mall Drive; Ranfurly Circus on the eastern portion approach to the RND roundabout; Bahama Reef Boulevard’s eastbound lane from Cove House heading 1000ft east; Thackery Street in the Civic Industrial area; and Haddock Street in Caravel Beach.

Mr McIntosh said Waugh Construction will carry out road works on two roads. Frecon construction will conduct works on one road, and the remaining roads by Bahamas Hot Mix. He said the three companies will implement their own traffic management schemes.