Apr 25 - Llamas Shows Solidarity With GHA Workers And Calls For Explanations From Government

Independent MP Lawrence Llamas has issued a statement showing solidarity with the GHA workers who protested outside St Bernard's Hospital this afternoon, calling on the Government to listen to their concerns and explain the current situation. 

"On Monday, following the decision from Unite the Union to walk out today, I issued a public statement expressing concern at the manner in which Government was allegedly handling the recruitment of staff at the GHA.

"Since then, the Minister for Health, Neil Costa has denied all accusations of: surreptitious privatisation; under qualified supply workers performing duties beyond their professional expertise; and that supply workers are being placed into vacant posts.

"In the past I have been supportive of the changes being made by the Minister in the GHA. The additional evening GPs clinic which will go a long way in alleviating the pressure placed on the A&E department; the paediatric clinics being set up at the A&E and the PCC; the external audit by PWC; all these are welcome changes to our health service and will hopefully deal with some of the longstanding issues.

"However, the apparent breakdown between the Union and GHA management is to be regretted. At this point in time, the community expects honest and accurate explanations, both parties simply can't be telling the truth.

"Industrial action is a last resort and reflects a serious escalation in tensions between the workers and management. The Government cannot rely on spin and general statements. They must respond to the specific concerns raised by the Union and employees they represent. The Government must provide details of the posts that are being covered by supply workers, since when they have been in those specific posts and the reasons why. It is understood that the filling of a post in the Central Sterilisation Services Department is what has provoked the industrial action.

"In the interim, my solidarity must be with the workers."

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