PHA Responds to BNU Over Nurses Shifts
Authored by: Public Hospitals Authority
Source: Public Hospitals Authority
Date: April 15, 2020

 

The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) has engaged with the Bahamas Nurses Union (BNU) on the issue of nurses’ shifts. Responding to a letter received from the union, dated 11th April 2020, which alleged that the PHA had unilaterally varied working conditions for nurses, the PHA cited the enactment by the Government of the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Orders and the declaration of a state of emergency. The Orders granted the Government the legal authority to protect public health and safety in order to minimize loss of life as a result of Covid-19. The PHA noted that during this period of declared emergency, the Ministry of Health and the Public Hospitals Authority will exercise its authority to ensure the requisite staffing in all public health facilities.

 

The PHA, pursuant to Article 3.01 (1) and (4) of the Industrial Agreement between the PHA and BNU, exercises its right to rotate and assign nurses as needed to provide all necessary medical care.

 

In its letter dated 11th April 2020, the union advised its members concerned to cease such shift changes. While the PHA recognizes the Industrial Agreement with the BNU, our efforts to fight the current COVID-19 pandemic require a high degree of flexibility from all staff. Upon the withdrawal of Emergency Orders by the Government, nursing shifts will return to the pre-pandemic schedule.

 

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