NUPW says unrest brewing at Geriatric Hospital over planned nurse transfers

The National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) is raising serious concerns about the planned transfer of six nurses from the Geriatric Hospital to other healthcare institutions, warning that the move has sparked discontent among staff.

Acting General Secretary Wayne Walrond said the union was “extremely concerned” about the circumstances surrounding the proposed reassignment, which is expected to take effect next Monday.

He said the nurses were verbally informed of their transfer to the St Lucy and St Philip District Hospitals, but received no formal documentation or confirmation. According to Walrond, the affected staff believe they are being targeted for speaking out about the handling of a recent disease outbreak at the facility.

“This situation is causing unrest at the Geriatric Hospital,” Walrond warned. “There is gross discontentment.”

While acknowledging that staff transfers are not unusual, the union leader noted that all personnel were expected to be relocated to the new Geriatric Hospital at Waterford, set to open on November 1, making the timing and selection of the transfers particularly troubling.

“We are seeking an audience with the relevant authorities to arrest this untenable state of affairs,” Walrond said, adding that the union remains committed to resolving the matter in a way that protects its members.

(EJ)