(Barbados Nation) Dr Richard Ishmael is back on the job at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH).
The island’s lone paediatric cardiologist had his suspension from the QEH lifted “with immediate effect” last Thursday. No explanation was given for his reinstatement in the letter sent to him that was signed by chief executive officer Dr Dexter James.
That day the CEO also sent a memo to all the clinical heads of department in the QEH advising them of the decision.
But all is still not well between Ishmael and the authorities at the Martindale’s Road institution.
The noted cardiologist – who was suspended on December 10 for using a hospital letterhead on November 17 to address a concern involving Dr Alfred Sparman and Minister of Health Donville Inniss, which is now a matter of litigation between the three – said he wanted an apology from the QEH for his treatment; and he confirmed that he had taken legal action against the hospital.
He declined further comment on that matter, saying he was instructed by his lawyers not to speak on it. He also refused to speak to whether he had attended any internal enquiry by the QEH.
The doctor did however say that he was happy to be allowed back at the QEH to take care of his patients.