Serious concerns have been raised by some members of the public who took their loved ones to the Samabula Health Centre and had to wait for hours because the doctor was away for lunch and dinner breaks.
On the day in question, people who had gone to the Samabula Health Centre before lunch had to wait and were seen after lunch while those who came in after 2pm were still waiting to be seen after 6pm.
It was noticed that the doctor was on a lunch hour break between 1‑2pm and dinner break from 6‑7pm, and there was no other doctor on standby.
People also said that the nurses did not see any patients while the doctor was away.
Fijivillage questioned the Health Ministry what is the process for emergency or serious cases that come up during the lunch and dinner breaks.
The Health Ministry says the duty roster for staff at the Samabula Health Centre is planned to ensure there is at least one doctor, nurse practitioner or staff nurse available to attend to patients at all times during normal opening hours.
The ministry says on weekdays, General Outpatient services normally cease at 9.30pm but staff remain available to deal with any emergencies until the Centre closes at 10pm.
The ministry says the Health Centre only operates a single eight hour shift from 8am to 4pm in the weekends.
It says patients may experience longer waiting times when the centre is busy.
Fijivillage has a photo of the notice at the Health Centre stating that they have lunch and dinner breaks between 1 to 2pm and 6 to 7pm.
The Health Ministry says if patients are concerned by the length of time they are waiting, or any other aspect of the Centre’s services, they should ask to speak to a senior member of staff on duty. If the issue cannot be resolved then they should contact the Ministry of Health by phone or email.
The ministry headquarters has a designated officer to handle complaints regarding hospital services.
