Nurses down tools

In a rather unwelcome development, Sisters-In-Charge at Zimbabwe’s biggest referral hospital have joined in the nurses’ strike and downed their tools with immediate effect.The Sisters-In-Charge at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare had been at their stations soldiering on despite sharing the grievances held by their colleagues.

They have however decided to down their tools and join the strike citing lack of seriousness in handling the matter by the government.The nurses are complaining about poor working conditions and poor remuneration. This has been exacerbated by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.Below is the letter which the Sisters-In-Charge at Parirenyatwa sent to the CEO of the Hospital.

Re: INCAPACITATION OF SISTERS IN CHARGES AT PARIRENYATWA GROUP OF HOSPITALS

The above subject matter refers. We note with concern the lack of urgency by the employer in addressing issues raised by ZINA. The ongoing incapacitation has not been doing any good to the patient care in this COVID 19 pandemic period.We have noted that despite the sacrifices shown by nurses the employer has not been forthcoming. As part of ZINA membership, we share the same grievances and we have been holding fort at our respective wards despite being overwhelmed by the workload.

After consultation and deliberations we hereby notifying that we are withdrawing our services with immediate effect until the employer takes the nurses grievances seriously by way of fruitful negotiations.

Sincerely,

PGH SICs

Cc: The Clinical Director

The ZINA President

The Apex Chairperson

The Health Services Board – ExecutiveDirector

The Minister of Health and Child Care