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Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has said contrary to allegations which have been circulating, no notice was issued by former Chief Medical Officer Dr. Winston De La Haye for the closure of the Cornwall Regional Hospital.
Speaking in the House of Representatives Tuesday afternoon, Dr. Tufton said no attempt was made to overrule any closure notice issued for the hospital.
"The then Chief Medical Officer who has the authority...to issue a closure notice, did not issue a closure notice. He made a recommendation which was the subject of a meeting, after which he clearly stated that a closure notice would not be issued; and I think that is very important for the records, Mr. Speaker, for fear that some think that we overruled the Chief Medical Officer...," Mr. Tufton insisted.
But Dr. Dayton Campbell, Opposition Spokesman on Health, was not convinced by the Health Minister's statements regarding the closure recommendation.
Dr. Campbell said it appears the Chief Medical Officer was made to change his initial recommendation.
"We have not been able to tell these persons what is causing their symptoms. That's what the Chief Medical Officer and the technocrats came to a conclusion that we need to close because we do not know what is causing the symptoms," he purported.
Dr. Tufton retorted, accusing Dr. Campbell of carrying out a shameful act of deception.
"The last line which he convenient omits, says 'Please note that a notice that notice for evacuation will not be issued.' This is from the Chief Medical Officer, and he (Dr. Campbell) is suggesting that the Chief Medical Officer, who has the authority under law to issue a closure notice, who places in writing that that order will not be issued, he is now placing that burden on me that I am the one who issued that order," Dr. Tufton decried.
Member of Parliament Daryl Vaz also added to the debate, suggesting that Dr. Campbell has been calling for the closure of the Cornwall Regional Hospital in order to benefit through his interest in a private health facility in St. James.
Following his assertions, Parliament descended into chaos.
However, the House was told that Dr. Campbell had already made a declaration on the matter.
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