Environmental issues force closure of St Philip Polyclinic

The St Philip Polyclinic was closed today to allow authorities to tackle environmental issues plaguing the facility.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Kenneth George told Barbados TODAY that members of the public seeking medical attention at the Six Roads, St Philip-based primary healthcare facility should therefore make alternative arrangements.

“The public is advised that today they seek attention at other polyclinics and we will update the press as necessary,” he said.

On Thursday, nurses and other staff were off the job from around 10 a.m. as they protested hazardous working conditions.

They complained about fungus on walls, hot rooms, and the “pooling of water”, among other issues.

Caswell Franklyn, General Secretary of the Unity Workers’ Union (UWU) which represents the majority of the nurses at the polyclinic, said his members were fed up that their complaints were not being addressed.

Dr George disclosed that the Ministry of Health had scheduled a meeting this evening with the union to discuss the matters affecting workers. (AH)