The stand off between doctors and the Karl Heusner Memorial hospital’s board has ended but the investigation into the allegations of wrongdoing at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital is just starting. In fact, it officially started this morning when the Commission of Inquiry tasked to do the digging was sworn in. The three commissioners were administered the oath of office at the Supreme Court and 7News was there. Keith Swift has the story.
Keith Swift Reporting,
Starting with the Chairman Justice Adolph Lucas, this morning the three member Commission of Inquiry into allegations of wrongdoing at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital was sworn in by acting Chief Magistrate Dorothy Flowers.
Chairman Lucas is a sitting Supreme Court Justice. Orvin Nicholas, who is the nominee of the Trade union Congress, is a former Auditor General. Julia Castillo is a career nurse and the nominee of the Ministry of Health.
Adolph Lucas, Chairman – KHMH Commission of Inquiry
“That is what it says, faithfully, fully, impartially and to the best of my ability discharge the trust and to perform the duties. That is what we
just read and I am going to adhere to those. I rely on the expertise of Mr. Nicholas who was an Auditor General and Ms. Castillo who has been a high ranking nurse in the nursing profession.”
Prime Minister Dean Barrow witnessed this morning’s ceremony at the Supreme Court and spoke about the terms of reference.
Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
“The Commission will make a due and faithful and impartial inquiry into the purchasing, if I can recollect properly, of pharmaceuticals and other equipment, supplies, and there will be looking at a period that starts the 1st of January 2007 if I can recollect correctly and goes until the end of June of this year. They are to determine whether there was waste, whether there was abuse, whether there was corruption and if there was any of those present, if they are able to, who was culpable and of course they are free as well to make recommendations as to how to ensure going forward that any waste, abuse, neglect, or corruption that might have occurred in the past does not happen in the future.”
Chairman Lucas says the commission will have subpoena powers and there will be penalties for those who refuse to testify.
Adolph Lucas,
“Either of us can summon to enforce a particular person to come before the commission and not frighten anybody. It is an offense and there is a penalty for those who are summoned and without any just cause does not appear there is a penalty for that.”
The commission hasn’t decided if the hearings will be televised.
Prime Minister Barrow announced this morning that instead of hiring a private auditor – the Auditor General will conduct an audit. He says hiring a private auditor would have been time consuming. The commission has been asked to complete the investigation and submit its report and recommendations as soon as possible.
