Hospital boss: Efforts made to resolve issues

Chief Executive Officer of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), Dr Dexter James has expressed disappointment over the National Union of Public Workers’ (NUPW) protest action yesterday morning.He said there were concerted efforts by hospital management to diffuse and resolve the situation and it was unfortunate that the NUPW would refuse the invitation of the Chief Labour Officer to meet with the QEH under the guidance and chairmanship of the office. Hospital management has put the necessary measures in place to maintain service delivery to the public, said health officials. Minister of Health Donville Inniss told the DAILY NATION he had a competent Board of Management that was keeping him abreast of the situation.  “I am advised that the matter was referred to the Chief Labour Officer last week and the NUPW have indicated that they are not prepared to meet with the Chief Labour Officer.”  Yesterday, the union staged protest action following the decision to place two women, who recently joined the facility, on staff ahead of dozens of long-serving temporary workers. (MK)