By Aabigayle McIntosh

Seconded workers attached to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) are being told to inform the authorities whether they intend to remain at the hospital or return to the central government.

Leader of government business in the Senate, Senator Samantha Marshall made the appeal on Wednesday.

She was speaking while tabling the Mount St Johns Medical Centre (MJIMC) Act 2009 amendment, which will change the healthcare facility’s name from MSJMC to SLBMC and end the secondment.

Workers desirous of leaving the hospital will be given until the end of August this year to speak to the relevant authorities.

“A seconded public officer may return to service under the central government. In the event they do not want to return to stay, then the seconded officer can give notice for August 31 to the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Health.

“A seconded public officer who does not indicate so by that date will be deemed that they accept the transition as staff to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre,” Senator Marshall said.

According to the amendment those who wish to return to the central government will be returned to positions that are commensurate with their level of experience, qualifications and positions held prior to the ending of the secondment.

Those who are not able to revert to the service under the central government due to the unavailability of a suitable post may opt for termination or early retirement in accordance with the pensions act.

Workers retaining their current positions at the hospital and their years of service will not be affected even though a new arrangement will take effect.

“Seconded employees shall be entitled to receive the same salary and emoluments received by them prior to the ending of the secondment as the salary entitlement due to them,” Senator Marshall said.