Nurses Association lashes out at Health C.E.O. over transfers

Augustina Elijio

Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Health, Peter Allen, isn’t making many friends in the health sector these days. That much is crystal clear in a release sent out by the Nurses Association of Belize, dated May sixth 2014. The letter is addressed to Public Services Commission Chairman, Patrick Bernard, copied to Allen, Director of Health Services, Michael Pitts, and Chief Nurse, Augustina Elijio. The matter on the table is the proposed countrywide transfers of seven senior nurse managers and two infection control nurses; so Allen comes under focused fire right away. The letter states that the proposed transfers is being spearheaded solely by Allen, and states that, “the Association views the management of the entire process by the C.E.O. as total disrespect and disregard for nurses and the nursing profession.” Elijio is the technical expert in matters of nurses and nursing, but the Association claims that Allen never consulted with her before making the decision.

Peter Allen

The letter lists five reasons why the transfers would impact directly and negatively on the provision and management of health services. The Association states that, “the rationale for this massive transfer is incomprehensible and the motive questionable.” The letter concludes by stating that the Association fears that such a move may only serve to create or exacerbate job dissatisfaction, leading to undesirable consequences. The express recommendation is therefore that the Public Services Commission rescinds the transfers, and that Allen consults with the Elijio when it relates to nursing matter.