Managerial implications created by the closure of a hospital ward

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the managerial implications (regarding human resources and industrial relations) of the closure of Ward 10 at Mount Carmel Hospital, after the publication of the Ombudsman report on October 1998. This case serves as a portrait for observing managerial difficulties when decisions are taken to satisfy a situation and the long-term effect of such a decision is disregarded. This is evident from the number of overtime hours that were worked in Ward 10 and Ward 2 at the New Seclusion Unit, which was catering for the security services after Ward 10 closure. Moreover, the manner in which the decision was taken had faults such as lack of consultation which had implications on the implementation of the decision to close down Ward 10.