The sickout commenced on Friday, February 4, 2022, about midday and continues, Virgin Islands News Online was informed by the nurses of the hospital today, February 6, 2022.

More staff needed

According to one nurse, there are several reasons for the sick out. This includes the need for more staff to man the busy department which deals with emergencies of all kinds, as well as better working conditions.

One nurse who preferred to remain anonymous said, “The expected outcome [of the ongoing sickout] is to find more staff!”

Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL) recently acknowledged the need for more medical staff at BVIHSA.

The sickout at Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital (formerly Peebles Hospital) commenced on Friday, February 4, 2022, about midday and continues, Virgin Islands News Online was informed by the nurses of the hospital today, February 6, 2022.

Nurses feel robbed!

The hospital staff also pointed out that another major trigger behind their decision to go on a sick out is linked to the allegations surrounding the now-suspended CEO of the BVIHSA Mrs Cedorene P. Malone-Smith and the Acting Human Resources Manager Mr Levor Lettsome, based on the “Preliminary Audit Report on the BVIHSA payroll” and the “gross misconduct and fraud” that allegedly occurred under their watch.

“They stopped the increment, they stopped the uniform allowance, you don’t get paid properly. So this is what all the staff is angry about. The nurses and orderlies and med-techs, none of us got a raise and who is doing the work?” the nurse pointed out.

Up to the time of publication, Hon Malone did not respond to our request for comment on the alleged sickout by nurses.