Authorities asked to look into hospital tension

By HELEN TARAWA
ORO (Northern) acting administrator Trevor Magei has called on the departments of Health and Personnel Management to step in to address the tension gripping Popondetta Hospital over the position of chief executive.
Magei told The National that the situation was tense despite his efforts to call a meeting between the two factions yesterday.
“I received a letter from the Department of Health acting Secretary Elva Lionel asking me to speak to the staff to stabilise the situation and restore normalcy.
“We have the Oro provincial health authority (PHJA) declaration on December 12 (Wednesday) and with the current situation, it may affect the process,” Magei said.
He said the meeting was not able to identify the issues and the way forward because there was still tension among the board and the management and the two factions.
Magei said the hospital board had suspended chief executive officer Dr Gunzee Gawin and appointed an acting CEO Dr Toua Giara which caused the problem and division.
He called on the staff to return to work and the management and board to respect each other to put their differences aside and address issues.
“I spoke to everyone to return to work so that normalcy prevailed so that much-needed services were given to the people.
“I am asking the departments to come clear on this issue, come down and put some instructions in place.
“We need everyone to come together and reach an understanding to get the hospital functioning so we can prepare for the declaration of PHA.”