�
~ Says there's an unwritten policy to use sterile gloves~
CAY HILL--The St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) will be taking disciplinary measures against Gynaecologist Dr. Diederik Smit who is alleged to have shoved a ward supervisor who admonished him about the use of unsterilized gloves recently.
In a press release issued Tuesday SMMC said the Obstetrics/Gynaecology ward at SMMC had an unwritten policy for use of sterile gloves and indicated that the specialist in question was not informed about this unwritten policy.
"The new specialist was accustomed to using regular gloves when executing pelvic exams by patients and he was not informed of this unwritten SMMC policy. At the moment of the incident the choice of gloves was brought forward as questioning the medical authority of the specialist...
"We regret that the incident occurred and do not condone nor accept that any staff member has any verbal outbursts or physical confrontations with any other person within SMMC," the SMMC stated in its press release on Tuesday which was signed by General Director Dr. George Scot in his capacity on the SMMC Board of Directors.
"Disciplinary measures will be taken against the specialist after Dr. [George] Scot Board of Directors of SMMC receives an advice from the Medical Staff Board of the specialists. The Medical Staff Board is an organised independent body of which all specialists operating at SMMC are members. The advisory process is a required procedure in line with the rules and regulation of the Medical Staff Board."
In the release SMMC said it also refutes what it claims had been incorrect statements which were given in recent press coverage with regard to the incident. The hospital said the information "damages the reputation of SMMC and by extension the reputation of our employees. We regard the statements as slander and question the reasons why they were made. It is important that the public receives the correct information so that they know and understand that management and employees will do everything to make and keep the SMMC a safe place when they are in need of medical treatment."
SMMC said the incident, where the specialist pushed a ward supervisor during a heated discussion was witnessed by two other employees. The incident happened in the nurse's station and no patients were present as previously reported in the media.
SMMC said "the specialist deeply apologises for the occurrence of the incident and is heavily affected by the reactions it caused as well as the false accusations against him as a professional. He has requested and received approval, to take some time out in order for all parties to be able to focus on the continuity of patient care."
Regarding the use of gloves SMMC said all patients at SMMC are examined with new gloves that are only used once. "We absolutely refute the statements indicating otherwise. The discussion between the Specialist and the Ward Supervisor regarded the specific use of new sterile gloves versus new unsterile gloves. Sterile gloves have undergone a special process and are separately packed to ensure its sterile state and are only used for medical indications.
"Many hospitals in various countries, including the Netherlands, have the policy that if there is no clear medical indications requiring the specific use of sterile gloves, patients are examined with the use of regular gloves (unsterile). There is no scientific proof indicating that the risk of infection by female patients increases with the use of regular gloves.
"At the Obstetrics/Gynaecology ward at SMMC there is the unwritten policy to use sterile gloves when performing pelvic exams by patients. Although there is no scientific proof that this will contribute to any extra safety, SMMC has adapted this practice and will continue to do so from a precautionary standpoint."
Dismissing staff
SMMC said it also refuted any statement that other staff members have been dismissed for similar or less incidents. "In the past five years there were eight incidents where staff members were dismissed on an average workforce of 200 employees, five for proven fraudulent actions, two for frequent absenteeism and one for sexual assault.
"As a professional organisation we stand for just conduct towards our patients and to our employees. The employees are SMMC. We are working with people for people. Conflicts can happen, therefore it is important to have policies and procedures in place to ensure that they can be addressed in a responsible manner. This means hearing all parties and understanding the root of the issue at hand. SMMC is giving this matter it fullest attention to ensure a safe and healthy environment for its patients and employees," stated the release.
Tony Cottee Peter Beardsley Fulham Soap opera Nuclear weapons US healthcare
No comments:
Post a Comment