NASSAU, The Bahamas -- The construction zone for Phase I of the Urgent/Emergency Care Project Renovation Works will expand on Monday, January 13, 2020 and will temporarily prohibit access through the main Emergency Department of the Princess Margaret Hospital’s entrance off Elizabeth Avenue.

During a press conference at his office, January 8, 2020, Minister of Health the Hon. Dr. Duane Sands advised that due to this development patients arriving by ambulance or private vehicle (including maternity cases) will be diverted to the Maternity Ward’s Entrance, accessed through the security arm located off Sands Road.

He added that walk-in/ambulatory patients and visitors will access the Emergency Department through the Main Lobby Entrance (Critical Care Block) off Shirley Street.

Dr. Sands said for general hospital access, the public should also utilize the Legacy Entrance off Shirley Street.

He said Phase I of the project is anticipated to continue for 40 weeks and Phase II of the renovation, which will address the main floor of the Emergency Department, is expected to start later this year.

“The Ministry of Health and Public Hospitals Authority are eager to continue these works towards enhancing public healthcare available to the Bahamian people.”

Dr. Sands said, “We will continue to mitigate challenges as they arise during the temporary location of the Emergency Department’s entrance and ask for the public’s kind support during this time.”