The South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) says it will be using the findings of the recent audit to strengthen weak areas and achieve full compliance in the health sector.

Following the release of the audit by the Health Ministry, SERHA says it welcomes the audit as it has confirmed the weaknesses in the region such as the implementation of the necessary additional internal controls and procedures to reduce and eliminate the weaknesses and associated risks.

The regional authority also points out that with the known challenges facing the sector, the health audit will provide greater details, which it says will allow for the reallocation of funds to ensure that the most critical areas are targeted.

Six major hospitals within SERHA were audited.

These hospitals include the Bustamante Hospital for Children, Kingston Public Hospital, Victoria Jubilee Hospital, Spanish Town Hospital and Maternity, Princess Margaret Hospital, and the National Chest Hospital.

The audit examined the Neonatal Units, Intensive Care Units, Operating Theatres and Accident & Emergency Departments.

In a release, SERHA says it has taken the audit findings very seriously and will intensify the implementation of corrective measures to achieve full compliance.

The audit released to the public confirmed reports of a dilapidated health system with hospitals lacking equipment vital for surgeries and doctors working in substandard conditions that pose serious risk to patients and staff.