KHMH awaits badly needed repairs
While most of Belize has gotten over the devastation of Hurricane Keith, one institution in Belize City continues to feel the pain. During our frequent visits to the KHMH it has become apparent that the place is in major trouble.
Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting
Ever since the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital opened its doors, five and a half years ago, it has been plagued by problems. Matters were not helped by the untimely arrival of Hurricane Keith, which added insult to an already injured facility.
According to Medical Chief of Staff John Waight, despite the setbacks, the prognosis looks promising.
John Waight, Medical Chief of Staff, KHMH
“I was here during the Hurricane Keith scenario and there was water in just about every room of the hospital. This of course caused a lot of damage and this will be repaired. The first priority of course is the roof to prevent further water from getting in, and then some of the damage that you saw on your way in. The damage to the floor and ceiling tiles, all of this will be corrected.”
Director of Hospital Operations Fred Smith says a contract to complete the roof was signed last week and when the work is completed in three months the KHMH should boast a spanking new top.
Fred Smith, Director of Operations, KHMH
“We’ve also given out a contract to seal off the windows and cracks on the walls of the hospital. Hopefully we will see people working on this shortly also.?
Ann-Marie Williams
?Particularly in the maternity ward where women have to be up and down.?
Fred Smith
?In prioritizing we decided the roof is a first… This place is like a sieve and I?m not exaggerating, it is, the roof is like a sieve. We cannot do the tiles until the roof is completed.”
Smith says he’s grateful to the European Union, which is presently assisting the Health Ministry to improve hospital conditions.
Fred Smith
“Replacing or repairing European equipment in this hospital, which you cannot get the parts. If you can, you have to search in Italy, Spain, which is a big draw back to the proper functioning, where equipment is concerned at this hospital.”
Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.
As part of the overall Hurricane Keith rehabilitation effort, all of the nation’s hospitals will receive renovations.
