Overcrowding eases but staff shortage still major concern at GPHC’s Maternity Unit – Audit

A performance audit has found that there have been marked improvements in managing bed capacity at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Maternity Unit.

However, a shortage of healthcare staff remains a major concern.

The audit, conducted by the Office of the Auditor General, examined the period from January 2019 to June 2020, revealing both progress and some ongoing staff challenges in maternal healthcare services.

Over the years 2016 to 2020, GPHC recorded approximately 6,000 births annually, representing over 40% of the national total of 15,000.

Despite the high patient volume, the hospital’s Maternity Unit faced overcrowding, which raised concerns from Parliament, the media, and the general public.

The audit found that the average bed occupancy rate improved significantly during the audited period, falling to 76% from a previous high of 121%, which indicated overcrowding.

This suggests that the hospital has made strides in managing patient flow and meeting fluctuating demand for services.

However, the audit also uncovered that the GPHC continues to grapple with a shortage of healthcare personnel, particularly nurses and midwives.

Staffing during the audit period was only 63% of the required staffing levels.

The lack of continuous training and the absence of a comprehensive manual of administrative procedures were also flagged as significant concerns. These factors not only compromise patient care but also place the safety of both patients and staff at risk.

In addition, the audit revealed that management had failed to conduct a needs assessment to determine the required personnel and equipment, which may have resulted in patients not receiving adequate treatment.

The absence of standard operating procedures further compounds these challenges.

The Auditor General’s Office has made ten recommendations to address these issues, including improving staff levels, implementing regular training, and establishing clear administrative guidelines.