7 News Belize

KHMH Union Says National Referral Hospital Not Ready For COVID-19
posted (March 6, 2020)
Tonight there are worrying signals about COVID 19 coming from the country's biggest hospital, the KHMH.

A release from the KHMH Workers Union warns, quote, "The general consensus from the KHMHA's staff is that the safety and wellbeing of those on the forefront were never taken into consideration when implementing the…plan of action." End quote. The release says that the Healthcare Providers which includes all Auxiliary and Support staff have expressed their genuine concerns in the following areas;

i. Some areas in the hospital are under less than favourable working conditions; we are understaffed, over worked and lack the necessary resources/equipment to work with….The staff morale is at an all-time low. The Administration is demanding for staff to volunteer themselves to work under these hostile circumstances….COVID-19 risks are now an added burden on the already stressful working environment at the KHMHA.

ii. The so called "Isolation Area" identified in their plans are not up to International Safety Standards…This area should have its own proper Healthcare Providers so that services within the rest of the KHMHA are not disrupted. There should be no risk of contact and probable cross-contamination within our KHMHA facility. Our major concern are those patients who are immunocompromised due to underlying conditions since they will be the ones at highest risks upon exposure to COVID-19.

The KHMHA Workers Union is demanding that their plan of action be revised to reflect these realities. The release warns, quote, Failure to heed to these concerns would result in the KHMHA Workers Union take all necessary steps, including but not limited to industrial action, until those concerns are addressed!" End quote. Both the KHMH and the Ministry of Health refused to comment.

Home | Archives | Downloads/Podcasts | Advertise | Contact Us

7 News Belize