Following yesterday’s protest by Grand Home Care workers, the Government has defended its decision to award the John Mackintosh Home tender to MedDoc.

A spokesperson said: “MedDoc have provided the lowest bid in a tendering process, wherein all known care service providers were identified and asked to submit quotes to provide care and nursing services for 3 floors at John Mackintosh Home.  This has already been explained to the shareholders and directors of GHC, Mr Artur Wasowicz and Mr Joe Pilcher, who are nonetheless threatening to institute legal proceedings against the Government for Government’s failure to choose an option that is more expensive for the taxpayer.  It has already been made clear to GHC, and it is important to state, that the successful bidder, whilst fully complying with clinical safety standards, will provide the taxpayers of Gibraltar with better value for money. 

“As the successful tenderer, MedDoc has opened vacancies and will hold two public meetings for those interested in applying.  The Government does not expect that Gibraltar will experience any job losses, as the addition of a third floor to the John Mackintosh Home will require additional staff.

“The terms and conditions of MedDoc’s workforce are an internal matter.  However, the Government has clearly stipulated that when it comes to nurses and carers employed to provide services to the Government, it does not tolerate zero hour contracts and expects all employees to be contracted part-time or full-time, depending on employees’ preferences and on the needs of the Elderly Residential Services.”