‘Sickout’ at healthcare facility

Trouble is once again brewing at a public health institution where some workers staged a sickout in response to “unfair” treatment from management and “deplorable” conditions under which they are being asked to work.

Barbados TODAY on Monday learned that all kitchen staff at the Gordon Cummins District Hospital called in sick, resulting in general workers having to take up their duties.

When contacted, Senior Medical Officer Dr Anton Best confirmed that a number of staff called in sick for an unknown reason.

“It didn’t affect operations at the hospital,” he assured.

On condition of anonymity, staff however revealed to Barbados TODAY that numerous letters were written to the Ministry of Health about the existence of rodents, roaches and doves living on some of the wards, along with a lack of protective equipment in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. They also expressed concern about the seemingly arbitrary basis on which some workers have been denied appointments.

The Rock Hall, St. Thomas clinic is home to approximately 43 elderly patients and more than 30 members of staff. Sources revealed that the majority of staff are members of the Unity Workers’ Union, which is headed by outspoken Opposition Senator Caswell Franklyn.

They also predicted that Monday’s action will be escalated to include more staff in the near future. (KS)