Nurses and other staff members of the Linden Hospital Complex were temporarily prevented from entering the facility’s compound yesterday after the gates were chained.
Region Ten Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Chairman Deron Adams told Stabroek News that embattled Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rudolph Small ordered that the gates be chained and subsequently had them removed after he arrived and the situation was publicised on Facebook.
Small has been the subject of a protest by nurses over comments he made suggesting that they absent themselves to engage in extra-marital affairs during work hours.
Protesting against him resumed yesterday in wake of his reinstatement shortly after he was removed from the post.
Adams said protesting nurses were yesterday joined by other health officials, security officers and the general public, who are also in support of Small being removed from the region.
Despite Small’s reinstatement, Adams said he is no longer recognised as the CEO by persons in the region.
“The fish rots from the head; if the head is rotten the body cannot be of any effect,” Adams said of the situation, while noting that Small made a reckless statement that he believes has put many health care professionals in difficulty.
Nurses and the public service union have said Small’s comments could trigger cases of domestic violence.
Adams also noted that Small’s shortcomings in managing the hospital have been highlighted by the facility being in need of essential materials, such as face masks, gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment.
Adams said the statement made by the CEO was an offensive and irresponsible one, especially coming from the office of the CEO of the hospital.
He added that nurses are intimidated and scared of Small and cannot see him as heading the institution.
Adams stated that the region will continue to monitor the situation but called for Small to be removed from the hospital. He explained that as the highest decision making body in the region, the RDC has endorsed the position of the people who are calling for Small’s removal.
Additionally, Adams stated that he has written to Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony about the concerns of residents and the health care workers about the situation. He said he is awaiting a response.
Meanwhile, according to a post shared on the Ministry of Labour’s Facebook page, a meeting was held yesterday to discuss the cessation of the strike by nurses at the Linden Hospital Complex and to work out the terms of their resumption. Another meeting is expected to follow today.
Small was removed from the post of CEO on Monday. One day after, the Ministry of Health 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, 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.
However, when Small turned up to work on Wednesday morning he 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. On Wednesday he issued an apology to the staff of the hospital. (Readawne Henery)
