Philipsburg:--- Minister of Health Cornelius de Weever stood his ground on Wednesday morning when he met with members of the Windward Islands Health Care Union Association (WIHCUA). The Minister of Health was greeted by the President of the WIHCUA Julien Lynch and its public relations officer Greg Arrindell. Minister de Weever assured the nurses and other staff that he worked with them before and he has nowhere else to go, but as the Minister of Health Care he has to ensure that there is proper health care on St. Maarten. The Minister said he never said anything negative about the nurses and he could not understand why anyone would feel that they were attacked personally. Minister De Weever assured the staff that he does not attack people personally neither politically, instead he conducts his duties in a professional manner. He said he has a responsibility and they too as health care professionals can make things work better at SMMC.
The Minister also informed the health care workers that he did not go to the St. Maarten Medical Center on Wednesday morning for any grand speeches, instead he went there to listen to their concerns. Public Relations Officer of WIHCUA Greg Arrindell said that the union made statements to the media which state that if the Minister has anything personal with the Medical Director of SMMC Dr. George Scot then the Minister should deal with Dr. Scot directly.
Nurse Brenelda Arrindell who is also a shop steward confronted the Minister about the statements he made regarding the state of health care at St. Maarten Medical Center. Ms. Arrindell told the Minister that she herself is a nurse and nursing is her passion. She said when someone says anything about care, the first thing that comes to mind in general is the nurses. Arrindell said that they read the statements made by the Minister and it has left them surprised especially when it is coming from "Coney".
Arrindell asked the Minister based on the reactions his statements caused if he had to do this again what would his remarks be in the media. Minister de Weever maintained that he did not say the care of the St. Maarten Medical Center is deplorable but whatever he said he will stand by it, he further stated he will not allow health care to decline on St. Maarten. Arrindell said that SMMC treats over 4000 people per year and if seven families call the Minister, does that mean the care of SMMC is deplorable?
Minister De Weever said at least seven families filed complaints at the inspectorate and they were all investigated, five of which have been finalized. Minister de Weever also informed the nurses that he receives phone calls every day and people would stop him on the road and complain about the quality of health care at the SMMC. Minister de Weever also informed the gathering that he has been calling on the people of St. Maarten to file complaints with the inspectorate if they feel that they were not treated properly or given proper care. He said many persons are very reluctant to file the complaints because there is only one health care institution on St. Maarten and at some point they would have to return to it. The Minister of Health said that people should not have to live with fear of being victimized. Minister de Weever also made clear that he did not make the statements because of the two persons that died last week. He said coincidentally the day he made the statement, the sister of a Member of Parliament passed away and that case is also being investigated.
Shortly after the meeting, the Minister of Health announced at the Council of Ministers' press briefing that he will not allow health care to decline on St. Maarten. Minister de Weever said he does not have any personal vendetta against Dr. Scot but he wants to make clear that he has a responsibility to ensure that health care on St. Maarten is upheld.
Minister de Weever confirmed to reporters that he was briefed by the inspectorate of health on Tuesday last week and he felt obliged to make the statement he made. Minister de Weever said expanding the hospital is not a guarantee that health care on St. Maarten will improve. "We have a new government building across the street but that does not mean that government will not need more space to house its workers."
It should be noted that the supervisory board of SMMC met with the Council of Ministers and pleaded with them to have SZV provide the bonds for them to expand the institution. At that meeting the supervisory board told the Council of Ministers that they were given up until August 15th to sign the last agreement but when SZV sent the SMMC an email with the conditions set forth by the insurer before they can provide the bond for the expansion, SMMC did not respond. According to information provided to SMN News, SMMC is yet to respond to the email sent to them regarding the conditions to obtain the bond for the expansion of the hospital.
Minister De Weever also mentioned that the VUMC Hospital in the Netherlands is currently under supervision because patient care is at risk. It should be noted that St. Maarten Medical Center was trying to sign a cooperation agreement with VUMC.
Click here to view more photos of the meeting between Minister Cornelius de Weever and the WIHCUA on Wednesday morning.
Click here to view the news article on VUMC.
Click here to view the letter sent to VUMC.