By Trudy Simpson, Staff ReporterPOOR AIR circulation in some sections of its King Street headquarters, and the need to foster further interaction between staff, are two reasons being cited for the Ministry of Health's current search for a new home.
Permanent Secretary, Grace Allen Young, was unavailable for comment yesterday, but Minister of Health, John Junor, said that there have been concerns from staff about the conditions in sections of the Oceana building in downtown, Kingston, where the poor circulation of air has reportedly resulted in several staff members frequently coming down with sinus and other respiratory illnesses.
"There is a problem down there with foul air. The air down there is not up to standard and people down there are getting flu-like syndromes, almost like a sick syndrome building," said a source close to the Ministry, who did not want to be identified.
"The foul air is coming through the vents... and because some of the windows can't be opened, the air is not renewed so, basically, it's causing a lot of problems. People getting sinusitis (and) the other thing is that at lunch time, when the toilets are being used, you get a stink in the corridor," the source said.
SEARCHING FOR NEW SITE
Mr. Junor confirmed yesterday that there had been concerns raised by staff and that the Ministry was searching for a new building, but added that final decisions have not yet been made and a suitable building has not been located.
"It has come to my attention that there is this disquiet about the building and that they want to look at finding somewhere else that would be more appropriate, but no decision has been taken. It is largely based on the fact that the building is most unsuitable as an office," Mr. Junor said, adding that the aesthetics of the building make staff interaction difficult, as well. The building was originally an hotel.
"Once you go in your office, you are locked away. You have to make a deliberate effort to see anybody. There is also a problem with the sick building syndrome that based on air quality measurement, we are not ideally suited," he said.
The Health Ministry said that it has advised the owners of the building, the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), of the problem and that steps are being taken to improve conditions.
The Gleaner was told that following complaints, the Health Ministry conducted an air-quality study, which identified areas of poor circulation and the reasons behind the problem. In addition, officials repaired a defective chiller to improve temperature levels and made efforts to clean air filters, frequently.
The Ministry said that complaints have lessened since then and that corrective measures are continuing to introduce more fresh air into the building. A second air-quality study is expected to be undertaken in the next two weeks to determine the success of interventions so far, the Ministry said.
