READER LETTER: Rehab doctor's suspension should concern us all

Tuesday 01 February 2022

I am devastated by the suspension of Dr Michael Richardson, a senior physician at the General Hospital, with responsibility for the care of the elderly and rehabilitation.

This is yet another suspension of a Consultant doctor, apparently without due process or adequate explanation.

This took place just after the States Assembly unanimously voted to reinstate Rehabilitation Services at Samarès Ward in Overdale Hospital, where Dr Richardson previously oversaw the care of patients.

Is this a direct response by management because he spoke the truth? Is this yet another example of management ruling by fear?

The recent debate about the Rehabilitation Ward in the States Assembly also highlighted the extreme bullying environment in which staff have to work at the General Hospital, and where morale is now at rock bottom. How many more staff will feel obliged to leave under a cloud of fear and intimidation?  

Outwardly, it appears that management are not accountable to anyone for their actions. Their role should be to help and facilitate the wonderful staff to do their jobs to the highest standards, so that they can be allowed to deliver optimal care to patients, rather than placing innumerable obstacles in their way.

When I was a General Practitioner, the hospital was universally recognised as a happy environment in which to work. Whenever I visited my patients, the staff were content and gained immense satisfaction from all the work they did. Staff felt valued and respected and could provide excellent patient care. Instead, it is now becoming viewed as a job, rather than a vocation.

Perhaps one of the areas that should be debated is how to find ways of reversing the disconnect between managers and those working on the frontline.

In recent years, there were 12 managers delivering excellent support for the entire hospital. Now there are 88 managers, many with poorly defined roles. Morale amongst Clinical staff is at rock bottom.

Patients are frequently being let down with appointment re-scheduling, despite this sevenfold increase in management numbers.

Senior management should take time to reflect on how to rebuild a much-loved institution. It may be that major restructuring is necessary, perhaps a return to 12 managers to revive the happy and caring hospital environment that we all used to be so proud of?

Dr John Howell
Underwood, Trinity