?Concerned by the various incidents of violence against health care workers, president of the Public Services Association (PSA), Watson Duke, has warned that they will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure that promises made during yesterday's meeting are fulfilled.
Along with the promise to install CCTV cameras and panic buttons, Duke said several other resolutions had been decided upon.
They include the immediate replacement of the current crop of security officers at the Maternity Department; the placement of security personnel at all entrance and exit points of all wards; the establishment of a police post at the PoSGH; security escorts for staff to their vehicles at night; stricter security regulations for officers as it relates to impending violence towards health care workers, patients and visitors; the introduction of liability notices throughout the department informing the public about the legal repercussions of anyone found guilty of violence towards staff; and the implementation of a liability form to be signed by all patients which will make them accountable for any breaches they commit while at the institution.
Duke said while the PSA would be awaiting the introduction and implementation of the conditions listed, "the PSA reserves the right to take whatever action it deems necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of its members and by extension all health care workers of the NWRHA."
Yesterday's attacked worsened over a period of time the T&T Guardian understands.
After threatening the nurse, the patient involved allegedly contacted two men who went to the hospital in search of the nurse.
The nurse went to the Belmont Police Station where she lodged a formal report. She also went to the Port-of-Spain Magistrates' Court where she took out a Restraining Order against the patient.
Speaking with the T&T Guardian, a nurse, who wished not to be identified, said the attacks were worsening and they were fed up.
She added: "Three weeks ago, one of the clerks was attacked by a patient and almost lost an eye. Nothing was addressed. Earlier this year a midwife was badly beaten by a 17-year-old girl in the presence of her mother and the girl's mother did nothing.
"We are really fed up of this. Our lives are at risk and the authorities are doing nothing about it.
After that attack they put up a sign saying violence would not be tolerated but that is not enough." – With reporting by Rhondor Dowlat