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HOME	FEBRUARY 5th, 2005

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The Ministry of Health (MOH), has expressed concern over the decision taken by close to one hundred and fifty (150) student nurses to protest against the deplorable conditions they are forced to operate under.

The ministry said in a release issued that it views with grave concern the actions taken on January 11 by the students at the Grenada School of Nursing (GSN).

It queried the action of the students without first holding "full consultation" with senior officials of the Ministry. The release stated that the school like all other institutions of learning in Grenada, was severely damaged during the passage of Hurricane Ivan, on September 7 last year.

"The student body had been informed of the difficulties and the efforts being made by the Ministry to improve the conditions, but as a result of the damages caused to the building, they were left with two options, (1) to temporarily suspend the programmes at the School of Nursing, and (2) to continue the programme to facilitate students completing their studies and new students commencing their programme of training", it added.

The release further said despite the problem, efforts were still being made to identify an alternative location to accommodate the School and finalize plans for the transfer of the School of Nursing to the T. A. Marryshow Community College.

The ministry said it felt that it is to the long term benefit of the students to complete their programme, notwithstanding the difficulties and inconveniences. A number of officials at the school also admitted that the campus was unsuitable for learning and that the students are under tremendous pressure.

Grenada Today learnt that prior to and after the passage of hurricane Ivan the authorities were informed about the deplorable conditions of the building but no serious action has since been taken. Instead after the campus reopened following the hurricane the authorities used pieces of tarpaulin to cover the building. "That too has been blown off and destroyed not solving any purpose", the student complained.

There are reports that prior to the passage of hurricane Ivan the building was unsuitable for work and learning. Sources attached to the school told reporters that it was due to such conditions a decision was taken to relocate the Ministry of Works which is presently located at the Ministerial complex in the Botanical Gardens. had to be relocated.

This newspaper learnt that the deplorable conditions of the school should not be squarely blamed on hurricane Ivan when the building has been that way for years. It is believed that the passage of Ivan had only made the problem worse.