Police presence, increased locks and cleaners among changes at West Dem. Hosp. following sickout

Several changes will be made at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WRDH) to ensure the safety and health of staff are up to standard.

Officials from the Ministry of Public Health today (Wednesday, May 24, 2017) met with representatives from the WRDH to address concerns raised over the past few days, which saw many staff reporting sick.

According to a statement from the Ministry, the two sides were able to find common ground and iron out most of the difficulties, agreeing to a raft of measures, some of which will be implemented in the short term.

The measures include armed ranks of the Guyana Police Force to be a permanent feature at the hospital to beef up security for doctors who have been perennially abused – verbally and physically – by Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) residents especially when they are under the influence of alcohol or believe they have waited long enough to see a physician.

The WDRH and the Ministry are awaiting the approval from the Commissioner of Police.

Additionally, locks will also be installed on several doors of the Hospital to enable doctors and nurses to better secure themselves in the face of impending assaults by irate patients or their families

Also among the plan of action agreed to between the parties is to hike the number of attendants working at the hospital. This has been a concern for the hospital for some time now. It is expected that the Public Service Commission (PSC) will work swiftly to approve the increase of staff.

There is expected to be a rise in the number of cleaners operating at the regional health institution following the publication of several photos showing an unclean environment in which the doctors work.

A better remuneration package for the doctors was also discussed according to a source familiar with Wednesday’s talks.

The Ministry blames “managerial issues” for the problems at the WDRH.

News Room understands that last Tuesday (May 16, 2017) staff wrote and submitted a letter outlining their concerns to the Medical Superintendent and one week later they are still awaiting some form of acknowledgement from the Hospital’s Admin Department.

As a result, the Emergency Room doctors who have reported sick over the past two days. They are said to be back at work in full strength today (Wednesday, May 24, 2017).