NRH management apologises to patients, caregivers
By MAVIS N PODOKOLO
HEALTH authorities have launched an investigation into reports that certain staff at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) held a drinking party at the Emergency Department, Friday night.
Island Sun reported on the incident in a front-page article yesterday.
Reports say a number of doctors and nurses were involved.
Their party got noisy and caused disturbances to patients and their caregivers.
Last night, NRH chief executive officer Dr George Malefoasi said in a statement:
“The news is very disturbing and NRH Executive Management is treating the matter very seriously with investigations now underway through the Emergency Department management.
“As part of our investigations we have also requested the Emergency Department to submit an explanatory note in response to the media report.
“Based on their explanations and findings from overall investigations, we will be undertaking necessary disciplinary actions accordingly, if need be.”
Malefoasi also apologised to patients and caregivers who were affected by the noise from the party.
“We sincerely apologize to you all and will ensure that the persons responsible for this will be held accountable for their inconsiderate, careless, and unethical actions.”
Malefoasi also advises the public to immediately call the hospital’s general phone line 44000 to raise complaints should any suspicious, unacceptable, and deviant behavior from staff is encountered.
“This is so directions can be made to the relevant individuals within the hospital to provide the necessary assistance,” he said.
Those affected by the incident told Island Sun patients who were critically ill at that time were badly affected by the noise from the party.
