The Trinidad and Tobago Registered Nurses Association (TTRNA) has intensified pressure on the government to resolve long-standing wage negotiations, simultaneously criticizing the controversial commencement of adult surgeries at Couva Children’s Hospital on November 28. This development occurs despite previous objections from nursing professionals regarding staff and resource limitations at the facility.
TTRNA President Idi Stuart contends that the government’s financial capacity to refurbish and operationalize the hospital for the third time demonstrates available funds that should rightfully address nursing compensation. Wage discussions have remained stagnant since 2013, creating significant dissatisfaction among healthcare professionals.
According to Stuart, the initial operational phase has encountered substantial challenges. Specialized surgical nursing staff are being transferred from Point Fortin Hospital and San Fernando General Hospital to support the new facility, potentially compromising patient care at existing institutions. Additionally, reassigned nurses report excessive working hours without adequate breaks or meal periods.
Stuart further alleges that medical consumables are being diverted from other healthcare facilities to equip Couva Hospital, raising concerns about resource allocation across the public health system. The TTRNA has actively advised its members through social media to formally document overtime hours and seek written reassignment instructions, highlighting administrative uncertainties regarding regional health authority jurisdiction.
The hospital’s history reflects political complexities. Originally commissioned in 2015 under Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s administration, it was subsequently transferred to North Central Regional Health Authority management. Persad-Bissessar, now returned to power, had previously criticized the government for failing to fully operationalize the facility during her opposition period.
Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe maintains that the hospital’s operationalization aligns with the Prime Minister’s mandate, emphasizing the ministry’s commitment to a coordinated transition as additional services become available. Newsday reports that ministerial response to the TTRNA’s allegations remained unavailable at publication time.