Ankaful strike: Director apologises to nurses, workers

The hospital director of the Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital has apologized for “going overboard” in resolving some systemic challenges in the hospital.

In a four-paged letter af apology copied to the Regional Minister, Central Region,  and the Chief Executive of the Mental Authority and three others, Dr Eugene K Dordoye chronicled several acts of indiscipline by some nurses and other workers which he attempted to resolve.

According to him, his disciplinary measures appear not to have gone down well with the workers some of whom have gone on strike.

The scene at the Ankaful hospital, Thursday was that of chaos when nurses declined to attend to patients at the hospital.

The nurses accused the hospital director of disrespecting them. The nurses also alleged Dr Dordoye had, on several occasions given hospital vehicles to family members and friends for unofficial use.

The nurses had petitioned the Central Region Minister Kwamena Duncan, demanding the removal of the hospital director.

More than three weeks after the petition, the nurses claimed nothing significant has been done about their concerns and therefore decided to declare a sitdown strike, Thursday.

According to Joy News’ Central Region correspondent, Richard Kojo Nyarko the 500-bed hospital which currently has some 150 in-patients was totally abandoned by the nurses on Thursday, leaving the patients and their family members stranded.

Hours after the strike action, the hospital director has issued a letter, an apology letter, asking his compatriots who feel hurt by his disciplinary approach to forgive him.

He was however detailed in the many acts of indiscipline he claimed were committed by some staff in the hospital.

According to him, many of the nurses attended regular school, while still working full time for the hospital.

As a part time lecturer himself, he said, some of the nurses are his students something he has not been comfortable with.

As a result he had asked that all those schooling must receive approval before starting else they will not be promoted after their course.

He said during weekends, nurses were either not on duty or reported late to work, something he has tried to fight.

“I admit I sometimes went overboard either carrying out some of these changes or teaching clinicians about the patients conditions during review of the patients which sometimes to them were very embarrassing.

“I apologise unreservedly to all staff at Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital who have been hurt by my approach, the CEO, MHA, Central Regional Minister, Healtj Minister and all others affected…” he said.

It is unclear yet what the next line of action will be for the aggrieved workers after receiving the apology from the Health Director.

Source: myjoyonline