But, we have more from the hospital's Workers Union.
They accused the KHMH of, quote, "(erring) in accepting and transferring the patient to the ICU, without following critical care protocols and recently-established COVID protocols for patients showing signs of respiratory distress." End quote.
The statement says, quote, "The KHMHA Workers Union hereby demands the immediate and complete closure of the ICU unit and that in-patients be relocated elsewhere for intensive care management. Also, that thorough sanitary and corrective measures be conducted on all units possibly compromised with immediate effect." End quote.
Today, via a video call, we spoke with the Union's Vice President about it:
Andrew Baird - VP, KHMH Workers Union
"We know the issue of patient #10 being transferred from one institution to Karl Heusner [Memorial Hospital]. The Union believes that during the process of admission, there were some protocols that were not followed, causing a breach. Later, the patient was placed into the adult ICU, rather than in an isolation or containment area until proven or confirmed. Because of that, when the test was done and came back positive, it compromised the services of the ICU, as well as some of the staff in Karl Heusner, who were in direct contact with that patient and his family and relatives, who were there. Because of that, it brings grave concern to the main staff of Karl Heusner, who was at work at the time, and over the days that our fellow colleagues who had direct contact were participating in various activities throughout the hospital, like for example, going to the cafeteria to eat."
"Through the Chair of the Board of Governors for Karl Heusner, we managed to set up a meeting with the Prime Minister."
"It lasted about roughly around 1 hour and a half, where we made our presentation with our concerns to the Prime Minister, with the hope of him being able to intervene and get the matters resolved. Definitely, when we presented our points to the Prime Minister, he found them to be reasoned."
"He admitted that he would address the issue, as much as he could, without interfering with the day-to-day business of Karl Heusner."
"Another point that we brought forward was that an investigation has to be done in reference to the admission of Patient #10 to Karl Heusner and later to the ICU. And he agreed that an investigation will be done."
Reporter
"The KHMH has since sent out out a press release, responding to the KHMH Union's comments. They're basically saying that you all are over-reacting, that there was no breach of protocol, and that none of the staff was placed at unnecessary risk."
Andrew Baird
"Definitely, if that was so, the Prime Minister wouldn't have seen it necessary to even meet with us. He would have seen it necessary for an investigation."
"So, for them trying to cast blame on the Union, it is not here or there. It's kinda even applauding that they would even stoop to that level, to say that the union has caused the staff to panic, and to cause fear among the staff."
So, as you heard in our interview with the Vice-President of the KHMH Workers Union, the management of the hospital has responded to several of their criticismS. They summarize a few of the points raised by the union as nothing more than misinformation, and an over-reaction that is raising unnecessary alarm within the front-line workers at the hospital.
They have conceded that they are taking steps at closure and decontamination of the Hospital's Intensive Care Unit.
Finally, the hospital management's released ended with a few stinging remarks for the union.
The management said, quote, "It is regrettable that after measures were taken to engage and fully involve the KHMHA Workers Union, the Press Release of April 11th, 2020 may have created distrust and panic among KHMHA staff and the general public. Management endeavours to continue engagement with the Union and recognize that unity and cooperation with staff are critical during any public health pandemic."
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