Sando hospital workers want vendors out

Public Services Association south representative Merlyn Barrow said, “We have been forced to walk in the roadway because the vendors have taken over the pavement. Our safety is at risk.”

Barrow told Newsday that plans to construct booths for the vendors at the hospital car park were announced by the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) more than five months ago. To date, she added, nothing has been done.

Because the pavements on both sides of the entrance are occupied with vendors’ booths, doctors, nurses, wardmaids and hospital attendants are forced to walk on the road. The entrance to the hospital is always busy with vehicles going in and out.

“We’re aware that the vendors serve a vital purpose, but they need to be relocated,” Barrow said.

Barrow also complained that the relocation of the laboratory at the old nursing headquarters was unsafe for workers. The area is very lonely, she said.

Yesterday, some wardmaids carried placards to make their point. The wardmaids complained that the nursing quarters had faulty air conditioning units and improper accommodation.

One placard stated, “Please RHA...Have Mercy On Us” and another, “Heat In the Place...AC Now.”

Wardsmaids spokesman Adah Douglas said complaints were lodged with SWRHA regarding the faulty air condition units and the improper accommodationing at the wardsmaid quarters.

The workers have vowed to step up their protest until their concerns are addressed.

Attempts to contact SWRHA communications specialist Nalini Parasam were unsuccessful.