- 11 clinic closures overwhelm Helena Goldie as patient numbers surge
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
ELEVEN of the 15 health clinics serving Zone Three in Western Province have closed, forcing thousands of patients to seek treatment at Helena Goldie Hospital and placing severe pressure on one of the province’s busiest health facilities.
Helena Goldie Hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr Raymond Kuray Dickson, says the closure of the clinics has dramatically increased patient numbers, stretching the hospital’s limited facilities, equipment and workforce.
Speaking to Island Sun, Dr Dickson said Zone Three covers the largest geographical area in Western Province, including parts of Vonavona, Noro, North New Georgia and Rendova, with an estimated population of about 36,000 people.
“Previously, there were 15 clinics serving these communities, but today only four remain operational,” he said.
Dr Dickson said many patients with illnesses that could have been treated at community clinics now travel directly to Helena Goldie Hospital, adding to the growing demand for services.
“I would like to believe that the closure of these clinics has forced sick patients to come to Helena Goldie Hospital for treatment,” he said.
He said the hospital is treating significantly more patients each day despite having limited resources compared to four years ago.
When asked about the management of the closed clinics, Dr Dickson said the matter falls under the Western Provincial Health Services.
“In terms of administration, I will leave that question to our provincial health services to explain,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Dr Dickson said the hospital remains committed to providing healthcare to everyone who seeks treatment.
“We are trying our best every day to provide health and medical services to our patients with the little capabilities and resources we have,” he said.
He also acknowledged the continued support of the Solomon Islands Government, development partners and friends of Helena Goldie Hospital.
The closure of most clinics in Zone Three has raised concerns over access to primary healthcare for thousands of people living across the region and highlights the growing strain on Helena Goldie Hospital as a key referral hospital in Western Province.
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