Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

No FURTHER security contracts will be granted for the Bustamante Hospital for Children until a comprehensive review is conducted, says Minister of Health and Environment, Rudyard Spencer.

Mr. Spencer says a review of the current requirements for a security contract at the hospital would be carried out before another was granted.

The Minister put his position forward during yesterday's handover of buses for nurses, held on the grounds of the hospital at Arthur Wint Drive, in St. Andrew.

"We will examine what is required, and who is able to give the best service we need," Minister Spencer said.

Dissatisfied

He added: "I am very disturbed and dissatisfied with the security at the hospital."

His comments came approximately two weeks after a parent struck one of the hospital's nurses in the face with a chair, during an argument over the breastfeeding of a child on a nebuliser.

The nurses at the hospital subsequently called for a review of the security measures at the institution.

Beverly Needham, chief executive officer at the hospital, told The Gleaner that since the incident security measures have been intensified.

She said additional security measures now in place include metal detectors and stationing a senior security officer at the entrance to the accident and emergency unit at the hospital.

Mrs. Needham said metal detectors would soon be placed at the gate to the facility.

"These measures have made them (the nurses) a little more comfortable," she said.

"However, they are not completely comfortable because other things need to be done. They still face the verbal abuse."

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com