Workers in the Medical Records Department at the St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital in St. Ann, have reported being ill due to severe health and safety issues, stemming from deplorable working conditions. 

The staff called in sick this morning.

In a statement today, the Union of Technical Administrative and Supervisory Personnel (UTASP) which represents the workers said, the poor working conditions have resulted in significant health problems among the workers, necessitating immediate intervention.

UTASP’s General Secretary St. Patrice Ennis, said a fire broke out at the Medical Records Department on Friday July 12 causing damage which worsened the issues.

He said since the fire, the workers have no area to store their personal belongings and no designated bathroom facility. 

Mr. Ennis said on July 16, the union sent a detailed letter to the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer outlining the concerns. 

He said there has been no acknowledgment of the letter and the issues linger.

Mr. Ennis said the union is unable to determine when there will be a return to normality, as workers are awaiting correspondence from hospital management.