The dismissal of two nurses led to a protest in front of the Georgetown Public Hospital yesterday on New Market Street.
Dozens of riled nurses hoisted pickets, insisting that their colleagues be reinstated, after they were fired without explanation. The two nurses were sacked on December 3, after they were suspected of stealing morphine injections. Another nurse, who was in charge of the administration of morphine in the hospital, was suspended after she reported that morphine had gone missing from the hospital.
Nurses’ Representative of the Guyana Public Service Union, Kemton Alexander said the dismissal and suspension of the nurses proves that the administration is inconsiderate and meting out injustice on junior staff. “These nurses weren’t given a hearing after the investigation. The administration has no concern for the nurses. Their inquiries are inconsistent,” he stated, arguing that nurses are treated unfairly and are unnecessarily disciplined by the administration.
“We are pressured by our seniors, forced to improvise because of limited materials, and on a daily basis, face the injustice of not only the admin but also patients,” one nurse told Stabroek News, challenging the Minister of Health’s statement at the Midwives Annual Conference that there were adequate facilities and resources available. “We are constantly in danger.
There are no N95 masks available to protect us from tuberculosis,” she went on to say.
“We are fed up with the injustice. They feel they have the power to do what they want with no regard for the nurses,” another nurse said. “We want better conditions and better service.”
Stabroek News tried to contact the Human Resource Manger of the institution, but was told that he was busy and unable to comment on the protest.
