PSA approves of new RHA head

PubLic Services Association (PSA) President, Jennifer Baptiste-Primus, yesterday said the union had “no problem” with the appointment of John Eckstein, the current chairman of the Eastern Regional Health Authority, as chairman of the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA), stating that he is someone the PSA can “work with.” Eckstein, a former health minister (1984-1986; 1991-1995), was responsible for the introduction of the Regional Health Authority system. When the appointment is made official, he will be in charge of two Regional Health Authorities. Baptiste-Primus told Newsday that while the PSA did have “disagreements” with Eckstein, he was a minister who listened, and they were able to arrive at mutual agreements. She was confident that he would continue in this way as chairman of the NCRHA.

The relationship between the PSA and current Health Minister John Rahael has not improved. When asked when the union planned to meet with Rahael, Baptiste-Primus said the PSA will have “nothing to do with the minister.” She said the union had lost confidence in him. Last weekend, Rahael disclosed Eckstein’s appointment and said the instruments of appointment for the new board were approved and had to be signed by President George Maxwell Richards. The split of the North West Regional Health Authority into two entities — the NWRHA and NCRHA — will result in the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Caura Hospital and Chaguanas Health Facility falling under the purview of the NCRHA, while those in the West such as the Port-of-Spain General Hospital, will remain with the NWRHA.

Contacted about the appointment, Eckstein said he was aware that the administrative arrangements for the establishment of the NCRHA were in the “pipeline” for the past four to five months. He expects to receive his instruments of appointment in due course. Eckstein said the ERHA and NCRHA are two separate and distinct organisations with separate boards. “The only thing they have in common is that I am chairman of both, for the time being.” He said he is a retiree, and being chairman of the ERHA did not take up all of his time. Eckstein expects to bring his management experience to the NCRHA.

“I am fully informed of management and tendering practices and procedures. The board under my chairmanship will try to ensure everything is managed properly.” He said the board will strive to the best of its ability and, with the resources available, to carry out the policies of the minister and Government. He said financial and human resources as well as equipment were critical. He said one of the major problems in the RHA system is the dual employment system. Eckstein said there must be one authority to direct and control all staff. “In fact the RHA system cannot be assessed for effectiveness until that is achieved.”