st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } Horrendous conditions at the Port Antonio Infirmary in Portland, have been exposed in a detailed report following a recent investigation by the public health authorities in the parish.
The findings by the Portland Public Health Department came under the microscope Thursday, after State Minister for Local Government Robert Montague was tongue lashed by members of the public following his tirade at the Matron of infirmary earlier this week.
A public health inspector assigned to the Portland Health Department carried out in-depth inspections at the Port Antonio Infirmary two weeks ago, which revealed the appalling and sickening conditions under which the inmates are cared for.
The inspector's July 7 report disclosed that the toilet facilities on two of the inmate wards were non-functioning and that water from the shower flowed constantly onto the compound.
According to the report, waste water settles at the side of one of the bathroom facilities and active mosquito breeding was observed.
The public health inspector also documented an offensive urine stench, fly infestation and uncovered water container on the wards occupied by the inmates.
According to the inspector's report, an examination of the kitchen revealed insect droppings in the cupboards and a lack of hand washing facilities for the staff.
There were two work tables without suitable surfaces on which food was prepared, one had a cardboard covering while the other had pieces of linoleum.
The inspector also found that the mesh on the extractor fan was greasy and needed to be replaced.
An overflowing grease trap and disconnected plumbing fixtures were among the many faults detailed in the report.
Inspections of the dry goods storage area revealed flaking paint on the store room wall and food products stored in a haphazard manner.
In the laundry room, the inspector noted that both mechanical washers and two dryers had been out of operation for over a year, and that staff members were observed wearing open toes and flip flop slippers while washing.
It was also observed that washed linens were not adequately stored to protect them from insects, rodents and dust.
On the outside, the health inspector documented unwanted household items, tyres and old zinc strewn all over the compound.
The report detailed 39 recommendations aimed at correcting the problems at the Port Antonio Infirmary.
The findings by the Portland Public Health Department came under the microscope Thursday, after State Minister for Local Government Robert Montague was tongue lashed by members of the public following his tirade at the Matron of infirmary earlier this week.
A public health inspector assigned to the Portland Health Department carried out in-depth inspections at the Port Antonio Infirmary two weeks ago, which revealed the appalling and sickening conditions under which the inmates are cared for.
The inspector's July 7 report disclosed that the toilet facilities on two of the inmate wards were non-functioning and that water from the shower flowed constantly onto the compound.
According to the report, waste water settles at the side of one of the bathroom facilities and active mosquito breeding was observed.
The public health inspector also documented an offensive urine stench, fly infestation and uncovered water container on the wards occupied by the inmates.
According to the inspector's report, an examination of the kitchen revealed insect droppings in the cupboards and a lack of hand washing facilities for the staff.
There were two work tables without suitable surfaces on which food was prepared, one had a cardboard covering while the other had pieces of linoleum.
The inspector also found that the mesh on the extractor fan was greasy and needed to be replaced.
An overflowing grease trap and disconnected plumbing fixtures were among the many faults detailed in the report.
Inspections of the dry goods storage area revealed flaking paint on the store room wall and food products stored in a haphazard manner.
In the laundry room, the inspector noted that both mechanical washers and two dryers had been out of operation for over a year, and that staff members were observed wearing open toes and flip flop slippers while washing.
It was also observed that washed linens were not adequately stored to protect them from insects, rodents and dust.
On the outside, the health inspector documented unwanted household items, tyres and old zinc strewn all over the compound.
The report detailed 39 recommendations aimed at correcting the problems at the Port Antonio Infirmary.
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