In response to industrial action by registered nurses in hospitals across the island the Ministry of Health is working to put measures in place to ensure that healthcare coverage continues with the least possible disruption in services. The Ministry is therefore coordinating with the Regional Health Authorities to manage coverage at the affected facilities.
Seventy seven percent (77%) of Registered Nurses slated to report to work for the morning shift were present at their respective duty stations in hospitals island wide today. The regions most affected by this action were North East Regional Health Authority with 41%, followed by Western Regional Health Authority at 57%, Southern Regional Health Authority -62% and South East Regional Health Authority at 71%. There have been no reported absences for nurses in Primary Care due to the industrial action by nurses in public health facilities.
The hospitals most affected will only provide emergency services which means that those facilities are not able to conduct elective surgeries due to the reduced nursing staff complement.
Minister of Health, Dr. the Honourable Christopher Tufton says, “We are assessing the situation to coordinate the most effective response and ensure that services and coverage continues despite reduced staffing.”