NASSAU, BAHAMAS – After senior physicians agreed to return to work today, having ceased elective services in the public healthcare sector for the past 10 days, the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) said they were pleased that members of the Consultant Physicians Staff Association (CPSA) had resumed their full duties.
“On Wednesday, the PHA and CPSA reached an agreement in principle regarding the financial clauses in the proposed industrial agreement,” outlined a statement issued Thursday by the PHA.
“The CPSA agreed to the financial terms and considerations raised in yesterday’s [Wednesday’s] meeting, and settled to discuss remaining minor matters in future meetings.”
The PHA said it anticipates that negotiations will further advance in good faith as both sides seek to fulfil its mandate of delivering quality healthcare to the Bahamian people.
“Management wishes to thank the executive committees, administrative officers, managers, supervisors and staff at our institutions who worked diligently to minimize the impact of the industrial action on patient care.
“The PHA also wishes to thank the public for its patience during the past industrial action, and apologizes for any inconvenience caused,” the PHA said.
The PHA said the public is advised to pay attention to forthcoming community announcements from public hospital institutions with respect to the resumption of normal clinics and outpatient services.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday to announce that senior physicians had agreed to return to work, treasurer of the CPSA, Dr. John Dillett, said the Association will continue to work with the PHA but they will not be a “silent” group.
“We anticipate and expect that the PHA will make good on promises that they would support and improve healthcare and improve conditions,” Dr. Dillett said.
“This group [CPSA] will continue to move forward in the advancement of healthcare for patients as well as working conditions for staff, so that will continue.”