Why Did the Cleopatra White Health Center Close Down on Friday?

Peter Allen

Last week Friday, the Cleopatra White Polyclinic closed its doors and sent waiting patients home. That’s because there was somebody waiting for attention with an open abscess which ruptured right there in the waiting area. That was enough to cause a scare of sorts which led to the closure, but that’s not exactly the protocol. Especially in this era of ebola-consciousness, Belizeans have been assured that health facilities and personnel have received enhanced training in dealing with any and all sorts of infectious diseases. We’re pretty sure that doesn’t include sending patients home and closing its doors. Today Ministry of Health C.E.O., Peter Allen, says that maybe it wasn’t the right thing to do, but it was done with the best of intentions.

Peter Allen, C.E.O., Ministry of Health

“Indeed, it has been reported to me that a patient with an abscess was in the waiting area when the abscess actually ruptured and the clinic was closed down for about two hours. The next morning I understand the clinic was opened again. We’re simply reviewing that case because it would not be part of our normal protocol to close the clinic under such circumstances. There are other measures which we can take. But yes, that did happen. The clinic was closed a couple hours and it opened again for normal business the next morning.”

Reporter

“Sir, but they shouldn’t have closed it in the first place and send the people home who were waiting. They should not have done that.”

Peter Allen

“I’m hesitant to be so categorical because I’m not aware of all of the facts. The facts that I do have at the time would suggest that they didn’t follow the established protocol, but we are investigating it.  But I know that whatever was done was done with the best interest of our clients and our patients at heart and we would never punish anyone for operating with the best interest of our patients and clients at heart.”