On a recent programme, The People’s Business, the Code of Conduct for Medical Practitioners was discussed. The questions from the public related to incidents at the QEH that did not involve the conduct of the medical practitioners.  Whilst it would be foolhardy to take that sample of complaints as representative of the issues the public has with the services at the QEH. What was clear is that the persons responding to the programme choose to complain about behaviours by staff at the QEH which are implied as poor conduct in the Code for Medical Practitioners.

            The fact is that the QEH is the most complex institution in Barbados with a variety of professionals who proclaim their ‘independence’ in the care of patients.  For the best care to be delivered this diverse body of professionals, technical  and non-professional staff should work in a coherent manner.  This involves all members of staff  [Administrative, Professional, Technical and non- professional] understanding each other’s roles, and the public being able to have access to, and an understanding of how, the staff of the QEH works for their benefit. Such cohesion is not likely without a comprehensive Code of Conduct for the staff of the QEH.

            I propose that Government under the aegis of the Ministry of Health commission’s the formulation of a Code of Conduct for the Board and staff of the QEH.  The Code whilst comprehensive should be written that all members of staff, Administrative, Professional, Technical and non-Professional can use it as a guide to their conduct with patients and among themselves.  Such a Code should be made available to the public so that they may be aware of the conduct expected of staff, as well as the legitimate limitations on the scope of the care they receive.

The drafting Committee should be commissioned by the Board of the QEH, and should include, at a minimum, members of the medical and nursing professions, and a person trained in hospital administration.

by

Prof Errol Walrond KA, FRCS

Professor Emeritus of Surgery and Honorary Consultant QEH