RHAs brace for protest action

The North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) is bracing for protest action today by health workers. In a release yesterday, the NWRHA advised the public to visit health facilities for emergency care only. “We remain uncertain as to the direct effect this protest will have on our ability to provide quality health care,” said Cynthia Carring-ton-Murray, NWRHA chief executive officer. She said the NWRHA preferred to advise patients about the protest rather than have them go to facilities and be surprised by the action. As a result of the planned action, the NWRHA said it was forced to warn the public that should the protest occur, all health institutions, health services and clinics “may be adversely affected and may have to run on a critical needs only basis.” Carrington-Murray hoped this will not happen.

She said the NWRHA would alert the public about the situation and contingency plans today. The protest reportedly stems from outstanding health issues which have not been settled, including the concerns of the pharmacists and the operation of the Chronic Disease Assistance Programme (CDAP). Newsday learnt that the protest will begin  at 11 am today at the headquarters of the Public Services Association and end at the Health Ministry, Park Street. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry with responsibility for the RHAs, Reynold cooper, said a meeting with the chief executive officers of the North and Southwest RHA had been held. He said a decision was taken to ensure the intensive care units, theatres, accident and emergencies and paediatric departments were adequately staffed. He said the public should go for medical care at health centres and district health facilities before going to hospitals today.