Thursday 7th February, 2019-A day after he was called upon to provide answers regarding the removal of residents from the Fiennes Institute to facilitate much needed repairs to buildings there, Health Minister Molwyn Joseph has responded detailing a plan on the way forward.
Nurses at the Fiennes Institute during a picketing exercise on Wednesday, demanded that urgent attention be given to their complaints of occupational health and safety. They also called on Minister Molwyn Joseph to explain the reasons for the delay in rectifying the numerous issues they encounter on a daily basis.
During a press conference this afternoon, Minister Joseph, while noting that the Ministry of Health, Wellness & the Environment is not responsible for the maintenance of buildings, said a decision was reached on the re-location of residents, after officials from the Works Ministry, led by Minister Lennox Weston toured the Fiennes Institute this morning.
As part of the retrofitting, gates will be installed on stairways in the Nurses’ Hostel Building to prevent falls. Bars and banisters will also be put in place among other measures.
A report prepared by the head of the EMS is expected to be handed to the Works Department so that they can implement some of the recommendations contained therein.
accThe transfer of residents to the facility on Queen Elizabeth Highway is temporary. During their time there, residents will be further re-located.
Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment, the Hon. Molwyn Joseph.
