One day after removing Rudolph Small from the post of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC), the Ministry of Health has rescinded its decision and reinstated him with the caution that he should conduct himself properly and take actions to “mend the tensions in relationships that presently exists”.
It was Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Malcolm Watkins who in a March 1, 2021 letter to Small, which had been seen by Stabroek News, who advised that “a decision has been made for you to be removed from the post… with immediate effect.” He further instructed Small to hand over all property belonging to the LHC to the Regional Health Officer Dr. Gregory Harris.
But Watkins in another letter on March 2nd 2021 and also seen by this newspaper informed Small that further to the request for him to report to the ministry the following guidance was being provided.
“The leadership of the Ministry, having had a frank discussion with you, has decided that you are to return to your position as the Chief Executive Officer of the Linden Hospital Complex, effective March 3, 2021.”
The letter also cautioned Small that the Ministry expects him to conduct himself in a “manner consistent with the position you are employed in”. It also advised that Small should engage in activities with staff that mend the tension that exists.
“We expect that your conduct in the future will be consistent with the ideals and mission of the Linden Hospital Complex and that you are faithful; to the ideals and the mission of the LHC as you carry out your duties and responsibilities,” Watkins stated in the letter.
Small turned up to work this morning and was greeted with a protest by nurses who attempted to block his entry into his office.
No reason was given for the short-lived removal of Small who had been faced with protests and calls for his removal after he was reported as saying that LHC nurses regularly abandoned their duties to engage in extramarital affairs.
Apology
Today, Small issued an apology to the staff of the hospital
“I am issuing an unequivocal apology to the nurses and all staff of the Linden Hospital Complex. I made a statement that was hurtful to the nurses and that must have hurt other staff. There is no excuse for my public utterances on this matter and, I am, therefore, sincerely apologizing to all those that my utterances have hurt.
“I have disappointed those who placed their confidence in me and for that I am truly sorry.
“When I assumed my post as the CEO of the Linden Hospital Complex, November 2020, I committed to manage this hospital in the best interest of the people of Linden and Region 10. I committed to work with my management and technical colleagues to ensure we together, united in our mission, will make the Linden Hospital one of the best functioning hospitals in Guyana and a place we could all be proud of. I had promised that the Linden Hospital Complex will be an institution that will bring pride to the people of Region 10.
“I remain committed to these ideals and to the mission.
“I am again reiterating my commitment. I genuinely believe that the staff of the Linden Hospital Complex is a dedicated and committed staff and I am renewing my promise to work with our staff to ensure the mission is achieved.
“I have learnt much since coming to the Linden Hospital Complex and everyday prepares me to be better. I will work diligently with all staff to ensure that the original mission of a successful and great institution is promoted every day”.
Chants
On Monday the nurses staged a protest to push for Small’s removal over the comments.
“We need justice” and “The CEO must go” were among the chants of the nurses, some of whom also held placards as they protested outside of the hospital’s doors.
The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) last Friday requested Small’s removal, while stressing the nurses had lost confidence in his ability to lead.
“The CEO’s false and deliberately misleading accusations of nurses abandoning their post is most irresponsible, inappropriate, and unprofessional behaviour of a senior public officer,” the union said in a letter to Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony.
According to the GPSU, the allegations that the nurses were engaging in extramarital affairs are scandalous and expose the officer, his office and agency to litigation.
The letter, seen by Stabroek News, repeatedly stressed that the nurses of LHC had lost confidence in Small’s ability to effectively carry out the functions of his office and called for the minister to “take appropriate action with dispatch”.
“His irresponsible conduct is likely to cause serious disruptions in families associated with healthcare workers nationwide and increase domestic violence,” it said.
The Region Ten Regional Democratic Council (RDC) also wrote Small and asked that he step down in what it called a show of support for the region’s frontline workers and women working at the hospital.
In the letter, which was sent to Small on Thursday, the RDC said it viewed the statements which he made about the nurses at the facility as “distasteful, disrespectful, and totally untenable.” The letter further stated that the comments put hard working and committed staff at risk of domestic confrontations and discord within their homes and that in a subsequent interaction with the nurses Small did not seek to apologise but instead sought to excuse the fact that what was stated was released to the public.
