NWRHA unaware of industrial action

The North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) yesterday said it is unaware of industrial action by any of its employees but  admitted there was a “higher than normal” incidence of absenteeism, particularly in the Medical Records Department, over the past two days. Last Wednesday and Thursday, outpatient clinics were adversely affected because some workers at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) took sick-out action. Newsday learnt that this was prompted by work conditions, especially the non-functioning air conditioning at parts of the complex.

“We were forced to cancel some clinics due to our inability to retrieve patients’ records,” the NWRHA said in a media release. It has not been officially informed of the reasons for the action taken by the employees, but the NWRHA said staff had raised concerns “unofficially” about the uncomfortable working conditions due to the non-functioning air conditioning units. “Through the tendering process, a contract was awarded in January, 2004, for two chillers. These will be installed and commissioned by the end of September.” Outpatient clinics resumed yesterday at the EWMSC.