29 Apr 2015

Staff shortages at Vanuatu Hospital

1:49 pm on 29 April 2015

The Medical Superintendent of Vanuatu's national hospital, says he needs more staff to deal with the increased number of referrals coming to the hospital following the devastation of Cyclone Pam.

Richard Leona says as most of the medical centres around the country were destroyed by the cyclone, patients from all around the country are being sent to the Vila Central Hospital for treatment.

Dr Leona says emergency medical teams continue to provide crucial support to the hospital but they are feeling the strain of working in a hospital that was already understaffed before the cyclone.

"We are in need for financial assistance to help us with the need for staff. In particularly we need to employ over 90 staff to maintain the service for the next six months or so. We haven't reached that, but we need finance to be able to get these staff on contracts to be able to help with the services of the hospital."

Dr Leona says the need is widespread from cleaners to doctors.

He says many staff had their homes destroyed by the cyclone and some have taken leave to try and rebuild.

People wait to be seen at the main hospital in Port Vila after Cyclone Pam. One wing was left standing.

People waiting to be seen at Vila Central Hospital after Cyclone Pam. Photo: RNZI / Koroi Hawkins