Furlonge is new hospital chief

A CASE of musical chairs best describes yesterday’s termination of the appointment of Dr Anand Chatoorgoon as Medical Chief of Staff (MCS) of the San Fernando General Hospital and the appointment of Dr Colin Furlonge, the new Chief. Dr Furlonge, who is president of the Medical Professional Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MPATT), was appointed to take over from Chatoorgoon. It was an appointment which caused quite a stir in the medical profession yesterday, since Furlonge, as MPATT’s president, is currently engaged in advocating better terms and conditions for doctors at the nation’s hospital. He was at the helm in the doctors’ impasse last when the SFGH was virtually shutdown during a sickout of junior doctors who protested for better terms and conditions. Negotiations are currently going on between MPATT and the Regional Health Authority on behalf of the doctors.

The appointment was made yesterday by the Ministry of Health for Furlonge to act until March 15, 2005, until the permanently appointed
Medical Chief of Staff Dr Austin Trinidade returns from accumulated leave. Chatoorgoon, who had been acting in the position for the the past 17 days until yesterday, was informed of his termination by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health by a faxed letter to his office. Chatoorgoon had been appointed to act for Trinidade only on Janaury 19 until Trinidade returned, but ministry officials yesterday declined to comment on the reason for revoking Chatoorgoon’s appointment and installing Furlonge in the post. The position of MCS has been one of some controversy, triggered firstly by Trinidade being sent on long leave last year during the doctors’ impasse in which Trinidade was perceived to have been supportive of their cause. Furlonge, as MPATT’s president, had led the doctors in opposing terms and conditions offered in new contracts to the doctors. Trinidade challenged the ministry’s action and was re-instated.

Earlier this year, however, Trinidade was sent on 15 months accumulated leave. The Ministry appointed Dr Deepak Mahabir, but the doctor died less than 24 hours before he was due to take up the post. Chatoorgoon was then appointed. Yesterday, a letter signed by Beverely Auguste Fraser on behalf of the Permanent Secretary faxed to Chatoorgoon stated: “Please be informed that your appointment to act as Medical Chief of Staff of the SFGH until March 17, 2005, has been terminated. Many thanks and all the best.” Furlonge reported to the HMCS office yesterday morning and met with Chatoorgoon who formally handed over duties to him. Commenting on his revocation and Furlonge’s appointment, Chatoorgoon said: “Furlonge is more senior to me in the Public Service. He is in Range 65 and I’m in 64. I’m not in a position to say if that was the reason why.