I am writing anonymously on behalf of several staff at the nation’s lone mental health facility to highlight an issue that has gone unresolved for months and deserves public attention.
Earlier this year, a group of mental health staff were asked to provide care inside the Belle Isle Correctional Facility for a mentally ill inmate who was to be transferred to our facility.
This was not a routine assignment. It involved entering a high-risk environment, facing safety concerns, and taking on responsibilities outside the usual scope of their daily work.
To encourage their participation, an incentive payment was promised to them by the government of this country.
The staff fulfilled their duties. They entered the prison, delivered professional care, and ensured the safe and appropriate management of a vulnerable patient.
However, despite their commitment, the promised payment has never been provided. When inquiries were made, they were told that what they are requesting is “too much”, even though the terms were originally offered by the government.
Too much for risking their safety?
Too much for entering a prison environment without proper protections?
Too much for honouring an agreement the government itself proposed?
What is most disheartening is the contrast in priorities. As the election season is upon us, significant funds are being allocated for large events, including the hiring of foreign entertainers. Yet, there is still no effort to honour a promise made to the frontline health workers who stepped into a high-risk situation for the sake of public safety and patient care.
Mental health services in this country are already stretched thin by staffing shortages and very poor work conditions. To overlook the staff who accepted additional risk under the assurance of compensation only reinforces the feeling that our work and our safety are undervalued. It is deemed a big slap in the face for them.
They are not asking for charity. They’re seeking fairness, transparency, and fulfilment of an agreement that was made in good faith and which reflects the value of work they do daily.
They entered the prison because the patient needed them. They honoured their commitment.
They upheld their oath.
Is this a government that cares for its essential workers? It is time for this matter to be addressed.
Anonymous.
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