Health Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton has accepted the findings of the report on the renovation at the Savanna-La-Mar hospital paediatric ward, while being occupied by patients.

A statement from the ministry says, Dr. Tufton has asked the Western Regional Health Authority, to take appropriate action under the ministry’s human resources and industrial relations guidelines.

Dr. Tufton has also asked the region to submit in one month, a recommended proposal for the ministry to review and approve a protocol of how all future renovation work should take place in public health facilities.

The report concluded that there was a breach of the work plan and that there is a need for a disciplinary hearing involving supervisory staff.

Another conclusion is that a review and recommendation of protocol, including approach to supervision for renovations within public health system is needed.

Dr. Tufton had requested an urgent investigation and report into the matter to prevent a recurrence of the incident.  There was public outrage, after a video of the incident went viral on social media.

The Health Minister says the safety of staff and patients during renovation at any facility is of utmost importance and there was a breakdown of procedures during construction at the Westmoreland based hospital.

He adds that persons must be held accountable and ensure that through policy there is no repeat of these incidents.