Three reporters who visited the Georgetown Hospital on Thursday seeking tuberculosis (TB) testing were rudely and reluctantly attended to by a staff member at the Chest Clinic.
Two of the three reporters are from this newspaper. The reporters cover the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and were advised by attorneys and the magistrate that they should seek immediate TB testing since they had been exposed to the disease via a prisoner who was in court.
At the hospital, the reporters encountered a female staff member, who sat with her back to them, filing documents. The woman did not turn around, but interrupted the reporters’ enquiry with a recitation of the days and times for TB testing.
As they attempted to explain the specifics of their problem, she turned around and in a very vociferous manner, repeated, “It [the test] is only done on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at 1. We can’t help y’all.”
The reporters then asked the employee if there was someone else in authority to whom she could direct them, or suggest a referral.
This apparently angered her and gesticulating with her hands she exclaimed, “Ah said nothing can’t happen today! Y’all got to come back tomorrow [Friday] at 1. No matter who y’all guh to, we can’t help y‘all.”
The incensed woman added, “every time we in public we at risk… If y’all went in some close up room or something with the person that get TB, ah could understand.”
The reporters then told her that this was exactly the case as they had been in an enclosed courtroom with the infected prisoner. And were taken aback when she erupted, “We can’t do nothing bout dat! We can’t prevent TB.” (Though on the pamphlets distributed by the hospital it says the disease can be prevented.)
At this point, one of the Stabroek News reporters tried calming the woman, explaining that there was no reason for her to be that loud and angry as they were only trying to explain and perhaps see a doctor who could tell them what to do in the interim.
As the reporters left, they encountered an attorney who had been in the courtroom and was also seeking to be tested. They told her about how they had been treated and were astounded when she went into the clinic and was dealt with in a very respectful manner. The attorney opined that her mode of dress, which revealed her status, may have been responsible for that.
The reporters were at the time all wearing the press passes, which may have gone unnoticed by the woman, but noted that everyone should be dealt with courteously.
The attorney said that after she informed the woman that the three young women who had been there earlier were reporters, the woman expressed concern and enquired whether the incident would be published in the newspapers.
Meanwhile, a sensitization team led by Dr Naderia Ramcharran visited the court on Thursday and conducted an interactive session, which was organized by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and held in her courtroom. After the session, fears were allayed. Today, another team is expected to visit the court where persons will be tested. Dr Ramcharran is attached to the Chest Clinic of the GPH.
