WILLEMSTAD - A recent action by the CBV union and some employees of the operating room (OR) at the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) resulted in the cancellation of several surgeries due to insufficient personnel. The CMC board expressed regret over the situation in a press release posted on their Facebook page.
CBV Chairman Annaliza Mathilda wrote that CMC staff, particularly those in the OR, are being disadvantaged and intimidated by their employer. Additionally, the union is concerned about the new departmental structure that the CMC is quickly implementing. "A well-thought-out strategy is needed for this," said Mathilda.
In 2022, the CMC conducted a job satisfaction survey among its employees, hoping that the majority would indicate a satisfaction score of 80 percent. However, the majority of workers reported being only between 50 and 75 percent satisfied. This falls below the hospital's goal for employee satisfaction.
The CMC board stated that they want to meet the needs of their staff, but their priority is the treatment of patients.
It is not yet clear if further action by the CBV union and CMC employees is planned. The situation highlights the challenges faced by healthcare providers in ensuring job satisfaction and adequate staffing while also prioritizing patient care.