Outpatient clinics cancelled as docs protest

The number of non-emergency surgery cases was down by almost one-third and some outpatient clinics were cancelled as doctors continued their protest action at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) yesterday.A statement from the QEH last night said chief executive officer Dr Dexter James indicated that of the 26 cases booked, only nine procedures (35 per cent) were done. “Additionally, there were two emergencies to which consultants responded,” the statement said. “With respect to outpatient clinics booked for the day, only paediatrics and gynaecology were conducted. Two other clinics were cancelled.”The Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners’ (BAMP) cut back its service from last Friday in protest over the termination of the contract of radiologist Dr Cecil Rambarat.“A review of the industrial actions taken by BAMP last Friday, August 13, (shows it) has moderately affected services at the QEH,” the hospital reported. The National Union of Public Workers was said to have  “advised that the junior doctors are not involved in the current impasse with BAMP,” the statement added. (TY)