NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) expressed on Wednesday that they were pleased to join with the Consultant Physicians Staff Association (CPSA) to announce that both parties have agreed in principle to all aspects of the proposed industrial agreement.
Last month, physicians at public hospitals withdrew their services, citing failed negotiations over their salaries with the PHA.
On Wednesday, however, the PHA said the process to complete negotiations, with respect to the proposed Industrial Agreement was completed on Friday, December 14 and parties are satisfied that the agreement reflects the best interests of healthcare delivery and the Bahamian people.
The PHA said the industrial agreement covers more than 130 Consultant Physicians engaged by the PHA who practice within the public hospitals and select clinics managed by the Department of Public Health.
The agreement will be retroactive from July 1, 2016 until June 30, 2021 once approved formally by the PHA Board.
President of the CPSA, Dr. Locksley Munroe said the CPSA is pleased with its engagement with the PHA at this point in its negotiation process.
“We are committed to ensure that high quality healthcare is delivered to the Bahamian public,” he said.
“The industrial proposal that we have worked through with the PHA seeks to ensure that this standard of care is not only sustainable but that it continues to improve in the future.
“The proposal addresses some clauses which, by in large, we were able to agree to with the PHA rather smoothly.
“We have also now agreed to the financial clauses that were a point of contention, however, we appreciate the economic climate of our country at this time and note that this was by no means the main objective of our industrial agreement. We expect that this agreement will allow senior physicians to have a more vital role in delivering healthcare, partnering with the PHA in the decision-making processes of our healthcare system.”
The PHA release concluded that the PHA and the CPSA are cognizant of the fact that healthcare delivery is a costly exercise and that the Bahamian public serves as vital stakeholders.
“In that regard, public feedback is crucial to enhancing the patient experience in our healthcare system,” the PHA said.
