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A warning from the Health Ministry tonight of possible disruptions and delays at polyclinics across the island, as two nurses’ unions call meetings for Monday morning.
The Barbados Nurses Association (BNA) is hosting its meeting at the National Union of Public Workers, starting at 9:30 a.m., while the Unity Workers Union is holding a meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel, beginning at 10 a.m.
The pressing issue to be discussed at both meetings is the recent incidents of violence against healthcare workers, with matters heavily publicised just last week.
President of the BNA, Dr Fay Parris, says this general meeting follows a series of meetings with nurses at polyclinics last week. Meanwhile, General Secretary of the Unity Workers’ Union, Caswell Franklyn, says his meeting is to find out how the membership wants him to proceed in dealing with their safety concerns.
The Ministry of Health says it was informed by the BNA that its meeting is going ahead, despite the association being encouraged by the ministry to continue dialogue to resolve the issue, without disrupting polyclinic services. Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Wayne Webster, has therefore issued this alert to the public.
