The following is a statement from the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners.
Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) wishes to inform the public of Barbados of its position with regard to statements made by the chairman of the Board of the QEH Rev. Guy Hewitt on Aug.13, 2010. We wish to point out to the public the following facts:
BAMP has made EVERY attempt to meet with the Chairman and the current Board of the QEH, on issues affecting the QEH.
As early as June 2009, BAMP has written letters to the Chairman asking to continue negotiations on various matters, including terms and conditions of service of doctors.
To date we have been unsuccessful in meeting with the Board.
When the contractual issues surfaced, we requested an urgent meeting with the Chairman who then designated the CEO as the Board’s representative. At that meeting, which was held on
June 28, 2010, the CEO and the Director of Human Resources were unable to respond to the issues tabled by the BAMP.
Subsequently the Board designated an industrial relations advisor to meet with BAMP to continue discussions. Having met with him, and outlined our concerns, we were promised a response in two weeks from the Board.
Whilst we awaited a response on these matters, the Board proceeded to terminate the contract of a senior doctor. We do not understand the urgency with which such actions were implemented without due process. Getting rid of medical personnel without any respect to the existing practices or human dignity, even if it is legally right is fraught with dangers.
BAMP wants to make it abundantly clear, that in all of these instances, it is our position that the Board did not adhere to the Terms and Conditions of Service for Employees of the QEH, which came into effect in July 2005.
BAMP wishes to reinforce that we have always emphasised putting patient care to the forefront, and it has, and continues to act in good faith. Contrary to the belief of the Board, the problems at the QEH are not because of the doctors. It is the opinion of the BAMP that the main problems of the QEH surround the chronic underfunding of the institution, and lack of efficiency in the administration.
BAMP has approached the Minister of Health on this current impasse which has led to industrial action. It is hoped that through his office there can be a speedy resolution to the existing problems.
