SWRHA: Faulty AC unit will be replaced next month

THE South-West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) is assuring staff at the Siparia District Health Facility that a faulty air-conditioning unit will be replaced, next month.

A media release stated that since January, the authority has been working to address the procurement of a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for this facility.

Staffers at the health centre in Siparia protested outside the facility demanding that the air condition units be repaired or replaced immediately. A video was posted to social media showing the workers protesting over the uncomfortable conditions they are being made to work under. They were heard in the video chanting, “We want the AC fix right now!”

Nurses complained that the air-condition units stopped working since January and despite many complaints to the Health Ministry, five months later, the units are still not working. The nurses said that the lack of air-conditioning is attracting mosquitoes inside the offices and this is a health risk.

In response, the SWRHA said Siparia will get a new central air-conditioning unit to service the entire facility rather than specific units per room. The release said as an interim measure, several large fans have been installed in the various customer and staff areas of the facility.

The SWRHA release reminded staff to use the internal customer solutions desk to address any matters affecting them. Patients and clients, the release added, can contact the customer service centre at 87-SWRHA (877-9742), for any matter in relation to healthcare.