Managing Director of the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA), Dr. Aubynette Rolle held a press conference on Monday to update the public on the PHA’s plans to mitigate the impact of industrial action called for by the Bahamas Trade Union Congress led by Obie Ferguson.  This umbrella organization includes unions representing health care professionals in the nation.

According to Rolle 90% of junior doctors called in sick.  She said, “as it relates to the nursing staff we’ve only had about 10%.   In Grand Bahama, the total population there, 25% of them have called in, at Sandilands 15% of them have called in.”

In responds to the shortage in staff Rolle said there would be multiple rounding to ensure things are flowing well.  “Those areas where we have specialized nurses and persons trained, we’ve pull them from the other areas to be able to support the nurses.  We’re also grateful to retired nurses, retired TCNs and RNs who have come together to help us and we have a pool formed to be able to facilitate for the next 48 hours.”

The PHA Managing Director said should things not return to normal after this 48 hour period there is a plan to address it.