But more than just defending itself- the board launched an offensive, questioning the motives of the doctors and pointing the fingers at them. Vice-chair Laura Longsworth went as far as to allege that some doctors at the KHMH have been hustling. She says they are crying now because the new board has brought to an end the hustle.
Laura Longsworth, Vice-Chairman – KHMH Board
“There have been reports from the public that patients are being coerced into paying private fees for faster access to certain kind of services within the hospital. The public might find it interesting to know that over a five year period over $1 million has been paid for private practice in the hospital. The board conducted a study and determined that the private ward was actually creating a little cash cow for the physicians.
Purchases have been bought from persons working within the hospital which present serious conflicts of interest. We believe that there is some great resistance going on from certain members of the staff when changes are made and we suspect the reasons may be those of self-interest. Various supplies were purchased from a company owned by persons or person in the hospital for the period of 2006 to 2008 to the tune of $218,000. Sutures bought during that period cost $357 but today we are paying $175. Similarly, under similar circumstances, orthopaedic supplies were purchased from someone closely affiliated with the KHMH for $71,000.”
One more item discussed at this afternoon’s was those supposed rusty surgical supplies we showed you last night. The doctors said that because funds are being misused – no surgical equipments have been bought and
because of that, and old and rusty equipment has been used. The board denied that out rightly.
Laura Longsworth,
“The union displayed some instruments in the media yesterday and suggested that derelict instruments are perhaps the common type of instruments available and being used in the theatre and other parts of the hospital. How is this justified and the question then is why on earth did they continue to use it. That is the question the public needs to ask.”
Maria Elena Sylvester, KHMH Board Member
“It is easy to get emotional because the easiest thing for us to do is to fire the chairman, fire the CEO, fire the Financial Director, and then how do you look at yourself in the mirror. We are not here to cast judgement
on the doctors, on their motives, why they have done it, or why they haven’t done it. We are only here to say let reason and let fair play come back to this institution.”
Dr. Peter Allen, CEO – Ministry of Health
“I see in the media a mixture of misconception around these issues and half truths sprinkled with just about enough truth to make things very confusing and this is not the media’s fault. I know it is not the media’s fault, you report what you are given. I don’t know how to beg anymore. Let us use the process. I implore anyone: let us not judge based on allegations alone. Allow the investigation, analyze the information and make judgement based on substantiated facts and hard evidence.”
