Nurses have been returning to work since scores called in sick at several hospitals across the island on Wednesday, August 25, mainly those in the southern region. However, some did not report to work today due to the inclement weather and being sick from exposure to the COVID-19 virus. The nurses have been calling for better treatment and pay.
President of the Nurses Association of Jamaica, (NAJ) Patsy Edwards-Henry, says talks between the leadership of the NAJ and the Health Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton over better working conditions, salary increase among other benefits, continue. Edwards-Henry says the issues addressed can not be solved within a 24-hour mark or a short period.
She says those who called in sick at several hospitals on August 25, have been returning to work, however, the NAJ President says heavy rains across the island prevented others from reporting to work on Thursday, August 26.
She says a number of nurses, including those at the University Hospital of the West Indies, are out sick due to being exposed to the coronavirus. Nurses launched a petition on August 25, demanding change and already there have been over 6400 signatures.
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