The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) joined with the Consultant Physicians Staff Association (CPSA) to announce that both parties have agreed in principle to all aspects of the proposed industrial agreement. 

The process to complete negotiations with respect to the agreement was completed this past Friday.

In a release, all parties said that they are satisfied that the agreement reflects the best interests of healthcare delivery and the Bahamian people.

The industrial agreement covers more than 130 consultant physicians engaged by the PHA and select clinics managed by the Department of Public Health. 

The agreement is expected to be retroactive from July 1, 2016 until June 30, 2021 given that it is approved formally by the PHA board. 

CPSA President   Dr. Locksley Munroe said, “The CPSA is pleased with our engagement with the PHA at this point in our negotiation process. We are committed to ensure that high quality healthcare is delivered to the Bahamian public. The industrial proposal that we have worked through with the PHA seeks to ensure that this standard of care is not only sustainable but that it continues to improve in the future.”

He added, “The proposal addresses some two hundred clauses which, by in large, we were able to agree to with the PHA rather smoothly. We have also now agreed to the financial clauses that were a point of contention however, we appreciate the economic climate of our country at this time and note that this was by no means the main objective of our industrial agreement.”

“We  expect that this agreement will allow senior physicians to have a more vital role in delivering healthcare, partnering with the PHA in the decision-making processes of our healthcare system.”, he said.

 Lyrone  Burrows, Deputy Managing Director and lead Negotiator for the PHA indicated they continue to maintain an open dialogue with the CPSA and all other unions with whom they work with.