Victoria Hospital
Three police officers investigating an accident were allegedly denied access to a patient at Victoria Hospital (VH) earlier this week.
A reliable security source described the situation as “ridiculous” but a hospital official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the nurse did the right thing.
The security source said at about 3 p.m. on that day, three officers – one in full uniform and the others in plain clothes – approached the ward desk.
One of the officers identified himself and the police station he is attached to and made his request. The nurse then asked for identification cards. The officer reportedly said he left his identification card, however he pointed out to the nurse that an officer in full uniform is with him.
“The nurses denied information, saying that anyone can be in police uniform so they need to see identification cards. How ridiculous is this?” the source asked.
The nurse reportedly used the recent robbery at the Rodney Bay Marina as an example. During that incident, the perpetrators posed as police officers though they were wearing polo shirts.
However, the officer reportedly told the nurse that a uniformed officer is with him. But she insisted they get identification cards and return.
“If it were bad boys, they would not ask ***,” the source added. “Only in St. Lucia.”
Embarrassed and frustrated, the officers left.
The source said on numerous occasions ordinary civilians trek in and out of the hospital without authorisation, even in the presence of security and nurses.
However, sources at VH told St. Lucia News Online that the nurse was right to uphold the policies of the hospital.
“It is admirable of the nurse to stand her ground. The hospital is aware that a few employees are not consistent with the policies and security standards of the institution but that nurse in particular is one of those who take their job seriously. No one should have access to the patient unless they can prove their identity and have a valid reason for wanting to see the patient.
“It is disappointing that officers are walking around without proper identification. Anyone can create a police uniform,” the hospital source added. “The nurse had every right.”