COMMENT – Small reduces himself to Pigmy

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO) OF THE LINDEN HOSPITAL COMPLEX
RUDY SMALL expected a “hue and cry” with the coming of the electronic timekeeping system
to help surveil employees at the health institution.
But Small didn’t anticipate his revelations about the secret rendezvous of some of the health
workers at LHC – some of which have led to fistic battles among their male partners – would
create the uproar it has created.
In retrospect, the CEO apparently regretted the comments, but instead of admission he has
started a campaign to impugn the character of the journalist involved in the taped interview.
www.aroundtheregions.com has seen the lengthy statement of denial by Mr. Small and is
disappointed to read several statements of inaccuracies, and in some instances, blatant lies.
The interview with Mr. Small centered on several issues including the proposed introduction of
the electronic timekeeping system when he raised the issue of abdication of duty by some nurses
and their alleged romantic infidelities.
THE ALLEGED SEXUAL UNFAITHFULNESS OF SOME OF THE NURSING STAFF was a
peripheral matter to this media house, and it was treated that way. The headline of the story in
which the issue was stated reads, “Electronic timekeeping coming to LHC”.
This media house never invented the matter of clandestine dates by the nurses and blamed Mr.
Small for it. Some of the issues highlighted by the CEO were ‘off the record’ comments and
journalistic integrity demands we treat them as such. Nurses regularly absconding from work
(which was the reason Small wanted electronic timekeeping at LHC in the first place) to meet
their lovers, was not one of those ‘off the record’ statements during the 40-minute interview.

The outpouring of outrage directed to the CEO by some LHC staff who have accused him of
scandalizing them, and calls for his resignation must be shocking to the US-trained healthcare
official who is now seeking self-preservation through denials and finger-pointing.
www.aroundtheregions.com has done several interviews with Mr. Small in the past and knows
he always means well and wants the best for LHC. He is actively planning to introduce superior
systems at the institution. But he is fully aware that ongoing staff reform must be a major plank
in the blueprint.
SMALL MUST HAVE REACHED SATURATION OR BOILING POINT WITH THE
NURSES PERSISTENT ABSCONDING from duty for the matter to pour out during the
interview. And we feel his pain. We commiserate with his professional frustration. We do not
feel he committed an error of judgment because the bad behaviour is facilitated and protected by
some who know better.
But for Small to throw this journalist under the bus, is unacceptable. For him to try and lacerate
the integrity and reputation of the media worker is well-nigh unforgiveable.
Small has reduced himself to Pigmy.
We are certain that any unbiased investigation into the CEO’s claims can be corroborate and
clear him of malicious intent.
www.aroundtheregions.com sincerely wishes that the people of Region Ten, especially the
nurses, meet with the embattled CEO, who we know wants the best for them, to help find
common ground. We appeal to all involved to stop the blame game, forgive each other and focus
on the real challenge which at the macro-level is improving the health sector in Region Ten.
THE CURRENT CEO OF LHC CAN STILL PLAY A HUGE ROLE IN ALL OF THIS.