Discussions ongoing to resolve CRH issues following protest

Discussions involving the management of the Cornwall Regional Hospital, nurses and health authorities are being held in a bid to resolve issues at the St. James based facility.

Upset nurses attached to the hospital’s Accident and Emergency department staged a protest today, calling for better working conditions, among other things.

In a statement, the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) acknowledged the concerns raised by the nurses.

It said active dialogue involving authority, hospital management and the Nurses Association of Jamaica, (NAJ), is underway to address the matters in a constructive and respectful manner.

In emphasizing the importance of engagement and collaboration, Chief Executive Officer of Cornwall Regional Hospital, Mrs. Charmaine Williams Beckford said management remains committed to listening, understanding the concerns, and working towards mutually agreeable solutions.

She also noted that the priority is to ensure continuity of care for patients while fostering a supportive and safe working environment for nursing staff.

Essential medical services at Cornwall Regional Hospital continue to operate, and contingency arrangements have been put in place to minimize any disruption to patient care.

Patients with urgent medical needs are encouraged to seek care, as usual.

Meantime, the Chief Executive Officer assured that steps are being taken to address a rodent problem at the hospital.

The rodent issue was one of several raised by upset nurses who staged a protest today, calling for better working conditions.

CEO Charmaine Williams Beckford noted that, a rodent control programme is ongoing at the hospital.

She added that the public health services are assisting with general rodent control in the communities surrounding the hospital.

In relation to conditions at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency department, Mrs. Beckford noted that severe overcrowding is a challenge and that measures are being taken to remedy it.

These include, setting up more spaces, that will allow for the relocating of patients from the A and E, to wards.