Allegations of impropriety, intimidation and abuse at the Port Antonio Infirmary have triggered Mayor Floyd Patterson to order an investigation into all operations and activities at that facility.

The investigation, now in progress, is, in part, to determine the accuracy of reports that some residents of the infirmary were being beaten by staff members.

The mysterious disappearance of goods from the facility and the scant regard reportedly shown to management by workers will also be probed.

An obviously angry and disturbed Patterson explained that operations at the infirmary were being severely affected by an ongoing squabble between management and workers who are now at a stand-off.

Tension bad for operations

Patterson said the growing tension was now at an alarming level and is threatening to derail the once smooth operations at the infirmary.

"This has got to stop," he said. "There are reports of residents fleeing the facility and, in some instances, ending up dead. Allegations have also surfaced that residents who are to benefit from remunerations are being denied. And this is only a few of the many irregularities taking place at that institution."

Approximately 70 residents are housed at the Port Antonio Infirmary, which is managed by a matron and an assistant matron.

People's National Party Councillor Wayne McKenzie is calling for an independent investigation, which will involve workers, management and residents.

"There has to be some level of transparency in this investigation," he said.

"This infirmary was the flagship to all other infirmaries islandwide; therefore, all parties must be investigated to ensure accountability."

Conditions at the infirmary came under scrutiny following reports of physical abuse among inmates and the deplorable state of dormitories, which also attracted concern from the local public-health office.

That concern was compounded by reports of residents being denied regular baths.