29 Aug 2012

CNMI Nurses say public worried hospital may go

4:21 am on 29 August 2012

The CNMI Nurses Association says members of the public are scared they're going to lose their only hospital after a warning that parts of the facility may close.

The Commonwealth Health Centre says it may have to shut down parts of the hospital if it doesn't receive more funding.

A number of doctors and nurses have also resigned after not being paid their full benefits.

The President of the Nurses Association, Rowena Elturas, says the demise of the hospital is leaving nurses feeling demoralised.

And she says patients are also worried.

"They're scared, (they are wondering) if the time will come that the only hospital will close down. I hope the legislative people will work on it. This is a serious matter they need to focus on the health care."

The President of the Nurses Association, Rowena Elturas.

The Senate President, Paul Manglona, says an 11-million US dollar loan was approved for the hospital several months ago, but he does not know why all the money has not been handed over.