Current improvement programmes by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services include renovation of the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital kitchen, said Permanent Secretary for Health, Philip Davies.

Mr Davies was responding to photographs sent to the Fiji Sun by a concerned hospital staff of what was alleged to be the hospital kitchen.

However, Mr Davies clarified that it was the hospital’s meat cutting area and not the kitchen.

“The photographs in question show the meat cutting room at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.

“They are not photographs of the kitchen as claimed,” Mr Davies said.

“It is not known when or by whom the photographs were taken, but it should be emphasised that it is neither appropriate nor acceptable for members of the public to enter the food preparation areas at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital or any other public or private institution, as doing so increases the risk of food contamination.

“Catering staff at the hospital are aware of the need to observe good food hygiene practices, but members of the public should also act responsibly to avoid putting patients at risk.”

Mr Davies said the ministry’s budget included an allocation of funds for repair and maintenance of hospital facilities and provision were made for minor works in most hospitals and health centres.

“The current improvement programme includes renovation of the kitchen and associated facilities at Colonial War Memorial Hospital with replacement of tiles and changing of sink benches,” he said.

“Unfortunately, many facilities throughout the country have been neglected in the past and so there is a significant backlog of work to be done.”

Meanwhile, the hospital staff who sent the pictures to the Fiji Sun said he had been employed at the hospital for the past two and a half years and the poor condition of the facility had been the same ever since.

He raised concerns over the poor condition of the room where hospital food have been kept.

“It is disgusting and our concern is that the ministry should look into the condition of the room and do something about it,” he said.

“I have been working here for two and a half years and it is our understanding that the kitchen serves food to all the wards within the hospital.”

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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