Durham Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert Kyle, yesterday spoke out against the harassment and bullying public health staff faced while executing their duties.
“Unfortunately, at times, staff members face harassment and bullying from members of the public while trying to do their work – work and authority which are articulated in provincial standards and legislation,” he said. “Despite the challenges they sometimes encounter, they remain committed to doing what is required to protect residents from risks of illness.”
Kyle was speaking on the occasion of Environmental Public Health Week, which started on September 19 and runs till 26.
He thanked the environmental public health professionals for their dedication and ongoing efforts in working to protect the health of the community. “Environmental Public Health Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the work of public health inspectors, specialists, and tobacco enforcement officers who work everyday to keep the public safe. Our Health Protection division is staffed by a diverse group of public health experts who inspect local businesses, food premises, recreational water facilities, child care settings, personal services settings, sewage systems and drinking water systems, and investigate health hazards and infectious diseases.”
Kyle pointed out that throughout the pandemic, public health inspectors and tobacco enforcement officers have been instrumental in managing Covid-19 outbreaks and providing expertise in infection control to area institutions, congregate living settings, workplaces, migrant farms and childcare settings. They also provide significant education to local businesses and community stakeholders to ensure public health measures are in place. Health Protection managers and staff continue to be out in the community working tirelessly as the pandemic continues.
“I encourage you to celebrate the work of the staff in our Health Protection division, and please continue to be kind and understanding as staff works to keep us all healthy and safe,” he added.