MATERNITY patients attached to the New Amsterdam  Hospital in Berbice were forced to occupy  beds in other wards in the hospital, because of rising waters  in the Maternity Ward. This reporter had visited the health institution on a private mission, at about noon yesterday , when it was observed that the doors to the Maternity and the Male Surgical Wards were opened, and  on peering within, rising waters and unoccupied beds were observed.
Maternity patients  housed in the female surgical ward [ burns], claimed that the water rose shortly after midnight on Saturday, making  the  area  un-inhabitable.

Persons at the hospital told this newspaper that  some patients telephoned their relatives  indicating their desire to be taken home, out of fear their new born babies could have been  exposed to infection.
This however, was unconfirmed as staff members were reluctant to verify the information.
However, it was observed that many patients along with their new-born babies were housed in several wards, and some were being discharged by the relevant doctors.
When contacted for a comment yesterday,  Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, Chief Executive  Officer of the Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA), confirmed that water had entered the maternity ward, and that this was caused by a malfunctioning plumbing system, and clogging of the lines. Dr. Mahadeo also disclosed that plastic bags, sanitary pads and even female underwear were yesterday found to have clogged the system. He, however, assured that every effort was being made to rectify the situation as soon as possible.