Linden in dire need of proper ambulance – Health Officer
Residents of Linden are calling on the Minister of Health to provide another ambulance for the community in the interim of the non-functioning ambulance that is in the workshop. Chairman of the Regional Health Committee, Maurice Butters, said that since the ambulance developed an engine problem one month ago many calls were made to the Ministry of Health seeking assistance in obtaining an ambulance in the interim. However, instead, a minibus was assigned. “There was an accident today (yesterday) outside the Linden area and calls were made to the Mackenzie Hospital and they could not have responded because there was not an ambulance available.” Adding that the minibus being used as a substitute for the ambulance is putting an extra strain on the system, Butters said, “We had to transport a patient recently to the Georgetown Public Hospital and a nurse had to hold the intra venous (I.V) in her hand throughout the journey because the minibus is not designed or have the facilities to fetch a patient.” Underscoring that earlier in the year the American Embassy donated an ambulance for the outskirts of Linden, Butters said when residents contact the Mackenzie Hospital for assistance in transporting injured relatives or persons, they are told to pay for their own services since the hospital cannot assist without the ambulance. “The people of Linden are asking if the Minister of Health is waiting for a disaster to happen, then action will be taken to provide an ambulance,” Butters said.