Trelawny residents stage peaceful protest

By Neel Thompson, Freelance Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

SEVERAL MEMBERS of the Southern Trelawny Citizens for Progress staged a peaceful demonstration in Ulster Spring on Monday, protesting against the absence of a resident doctor in the area.

The citizens say that the previous doctor, Walter Davis's contract expired earlier this month, but the Ministry of Health has not renewed it. Dr. Walters had been assigned to the Ulster Spring Community Hospital and served residents of approximately 18 communities in South Trelawny.

The communities include Ulster Spring, Stetin, Dutch Hill, German Town, Freeman's Hall, Albert Town, Thompson Town, St. Vincent, Rock Spring, Spring Gardens, Warsop, Wilson's Run, Troy and Joe Hut.

"We have not had a resident doctor to serve the area. We understand that his contract was not renewed, but the Ministry asked him to work for a few months without a contract, but he refused to do this and has resigned. No one has replaced him since," residents told The Gleaner.

They say that Dr. Omabley, who works in Duncans, visits the Ulster Spring community hospital where he administers to patients once per week, but this is not good enough.

"Because we do not have any resident doctor we have to travel to Falmouth, which is 28 miles away. The other alternative would be the Spaulding Hospital, which is also 28 miles away in Manchester. We do need a doctor, but we understand that they do not have any replacement to fill the vacant position. If they can't find a doctor, then give us back Dr. Davis, because he is willing to continue working in the area."

According to parish manager for Health Services in Trelawny, Mrs. Totlyn Fider, Dr. Davis is a retired practitioner and was on contract since 1992 on a post-retirement basis. "He decided to resign now because he has other plans. His family is abroad. He tendered his resignation effective September 7, but we did ask him if he could work until next January until we get a replacement, but he said no because he has made his plans. We have no control over that," Mrs. Fider stated.

"Since then we have been using Dr. Batallie Amable to assist the residents. This is far from what we expected. There is a family nurse practitioner who is working in the Southern section of the parish and this is the best we can do presently. We are in the process of seeking someone to fill Dr. Davis' slot but that has not materialised yet. I really cannot see through this demonstration." Dr. Amable serves the Duncans Medical district, which is responsible for seven health districts.

Mrs. Fider said while the protest was in progress, she had to pull Dr. Amable off his duties and send him to Ulster Spring, leaving about 40 patients waiting in Duncans.

"I have worked out the coverage for September. The Medical Officer of Health for the parish Dr. Roa Ponnada has been stuck in India because of the current situation in the US and that has pushed us in a worse situation. If he was here, at least we could secure another day service in Ulster Spring because he himself would do some coverage," Mrs. Fider stated.

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