Dawes sounds SOS for KPH

Opposition Spokesman on Health Dr Alfred Dawes is calling for immediate action to address the mould problem at Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), warning that failure to do so could lead to a repeat of the crisis that occurred at the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) in St James.

“We know the track record, looking at what happened at Cornwall Regional Hospital, and we are very fearful that the same thing is gonna happen at KPH,” Dawes said. “We, as a nation, cannot afford for this to happen.”

A 2017 Pan American Health Organization investigation into the CRH identified mould as the cause of noxious fumes that forced patient relocations, surgery delays, and the demolition of internal walls.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Dawes expressed concern about the mould situation at KPH, where four of the hospital’s main operating theatres remain closed because of a malfunctioning air-conditioning (AC) system that has been ongoing since February. Surgeries have been redirected to the Victoria Jubilee Hospital, the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), and the Bustamante Hospital for Children, but Dawes criticised this “piecemeal approach”, which he said has created a “logistical nightmare” and caused many procedures to be delayed.

Further, Dawes raised an alarm about the impact on “crucial surgical disciplines” like neurosurgery.

CRISIS

“With Cornwall Regional Hospital not having a fully functional neurosurgical service, we’re left with just KPH, and now KPH does not have a functioning neurosurgical service, which means that, if anyone anywhere in Jamaica gets a fall or any head injury, they are in serious danger of dying from something that could have easily been fixed with surgery,” he said.

He emphasised that the UHWI cannot bear the full burden of trauma cases, adding that, with both CRH and KPH struggling, Jamaica’s healthcare system is in “serious crisis mode”.

Dawes also referred to a mould assessment report from October 2024 which found high levels of contamination in KPH’s urology, orthopaedics, and surgical areas. While much of the facility was deemed in good condition, the report pointed to moisture problems and the need for continued monitoring and potential remediation to prevent future mould growth.

Dr Natalie Whylie, senior medical officer at KPH, told The Gleaner last month that critical repairs are under way, including mould sanitisation in the operating theatres. She noted that issues identified in the 2024 report had been addressed.

“We would have repaired air-conditioning ducting in those areas and the areas were cleaned. A mould specialist was brought in twice to address the concerns regarding the mould in those outpatient clinic areas,” she said.

However, Dawes countered that clinics in affected areas remain closed, suggesting the problem persists.

Dawes also cautioned healthcare administrators against covering up the issues, warning they could be “thrown under the bus” when the situation deteriorates further.

Efforts by The Gleaner to get an update on the current state of the operating theatres at KPH from its administration were unsuccessful up to press time last night.

sashana.small@gleanerjm.com