Management of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) says it is working to simplify the process for tracking COVID-19 data, to ensure timely and accurate submissions for staff remuneration.
This was among the outcomes of a meeting with representatives of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) after two days of increased staff absences from the Martindale’s Road, St Michael, health institution.
According to a media release from communications specialist Shane Sealy, those shortages followed “an unauthorised message circulating among employees, encouraging a temporary shutdown of shifts”.
He said hospital management was not aware of any “formal grievances submitted” prior to action being taken in relation to COVID-19 hazard pay.
Sealy said coming out of the meeting with the NUPW, a commitment was made to improve communication and on how to escalate concerns to prevent similar actions in the future.
“Additionally, the hospital
is re-communicating the COVID-19 Hazard Pay policy to ensure clarity. Directors are actively working with their teams to amend any incorrect submissions so that outstanding payments can be processed promptly,” the release said.
There was also concern that such actions “put emergency care and patient safety at risk, as such disruptions have the potential to impact the quality and safety of care” for patients.
In the meantime, the QEH said a thorough investigation will be conducted into the matter.
On Tuesday, NUPW general secretary Richard Green said this was not the first time there was an issue over hazard pay, which was resolved on previous occasions. He said the union was optimistic there would be positive results on this occasion.
(PR/SAT)
