NERHA investigating fight between staff, visitors at St Ann hospital
ST ANN, Jamaica — The North-East Regional Health Authority (NERHA) says it has launched an investigation into an altercation among staff, members of the security team and visitors at the St Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital on Sunday.
Indicating that it is aware of the circulation of video footage depicting the incident, NERHA in a statement on Thursday said it remains “committed to a thorough and impartial investigation that will provide a clear understanding of the incident.”
“We anticipate that the findings from the investigation will yield further details and insights into the matter and are committed to transparency throughout the investigation process,” it continued, highlighting that it understands the impact the incident may have had on the individuals involved.
In video footage, which has now gone viral on social media, several persons, some clad in security guard get-up, others in nursing wear and some in plain clothes, can be seen throwing jabs at each other. It is unclear what caused the fracas.
In their statement, NERHA said counselling and other support services are being made available to staff members, patients, visitors and stakeholders alike, whom they say may have been emotionally or physically affected by the incident. They also indicated that measures are being implemented to prevent a repeat of the incident.
“We are committed to implementing measures to prevent incidents of this nature in the future, which includes additional training for staff and enhancements to our security protocols,” it said.
“The health, safety, and well-being of our staff, patients, and critical stakeholders at our health facilities remain our primary concern. NERHA and St Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital reaffirm our commitment to delivering quality healthcare services while ensuring a safe and secure environment for all.”