PHA Speaks to Surgical Backlog 

#TheBahamas, April 4, 2022 – The Public Hospitals Authority and the Princess Margaret Hospital remain committed to addressing all concerns and complaints submitted through our Client Feedback Unit. Patients and their relatives are encouraged to utilize PMH’s Client Feedback Line at 825-3438 to voice concerns or queries. This dedicated line of communication allows for efficient response and immediate resolve where possible.

As part of the process of in-patient care, the hospital provides family consultation and updates to the patient’s next of kin as specified according to the patient’s request. The public is reminded that visitation is allowed at the discretion of the Attending Physician based on the critical nature of each case.

The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) and the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) are aware of an Eyewitness News article published 4^th April 2022 titled “SERIOUS BACKLOG: Woman bedridden at PMH for two months awaiting surgery.”  While the Authority does not address specific cases in the media to preserve patient confidentiality, the PHA and hospital management acknowledge that there may be significant wait times for non-urgent surgical procedures at the hospital, resulting from the suspension of non-emergency surgical procedures as part of the ever-evolving COVID-19 management protocols, coupled with nursing shortages throughout the system. PMH continues to triage all surgical cases prioritizing procedures based on the critical nature of each case.

Members of the public are encouraged to follow all announcements and advisories from the Ministry of Health & Wellness and the Public Hospitals Authority for further information regarding hospital and public health services.