S’Fdo hospital back to normal

THE “emergency-only” mode at the San Fernando General hospital has officially been lifted after a month long sick-out by doctors over a breakdown in salary negotiations with the RHAs.

Doctors have expressed satisfaction over the Health Ministry’s decision to rescind its directive ordering Medical Chief of Staff Dr Austin Trinidade, to proceed on 226 days compensatory leave. After a meeting yesterday at the doctors’ lounge of the San Fernando General Hospital to discuss the latest development, MPATT assistant secretary Dr Lakan Roop said the move by the Ministry was in accordance with public service protocols and regulations. “Doctors are finally satisfied that the Ministry of Health has decided to stick with protocol and has written to Dr Trinidade asking him to inform them when he will be taking his leave and whether it will be in batches,” he said, adding that over 70 doctors had attended the mid-morning meeting. Roop said: “Doctors are happy with the turn of events and have all reported back out to work.” However, Roop reiterated MPATT’s position that compensatory leave had to be regulated by the Ministry.

In confirming doctors’ return to the wards, SWRHA communications officer, Zenobia Nanan, said operations were “back to normal” at the hospital. “We have lifted the “emergency-only” mode from the A&E department,” she said, adding the move was taken after consultation with A&E head, Dr Stephen Ramroop who reported a full turnout at the department. As to the office holder of the Medical Chief of Staff at the Hospital, Nanan deferred comment saying the position was a Ministry appointment and there was no input from the RHA’s. Last Thursday, doctors had accepted the revised proposals offered by the Joint Negotiating Team of the RHA’s, which included a salary offer of $8,600; travelling allowance of $1500; housing of $1800 as well as other allowances.