The association's statement comes against the background of a damning report on the Port Antonio Infirmary which was made public last Thursday.

The association is also taking issue with the harsh manner in which the minister with responsi-bility for local government, Robert Montague, reprimanded the matron at the facility.

Criticism

Montague has also faced criticism for his action from members of the public.

The NAJ says it recognises the anxiety of the local government minister to ensure improvement in the quality of the care of the vulnerable in infirmaries and other public health-care facilities.

However, it says Montague needs to recognise that what it calls the verbal attack and psychological abuse levelled at the matron of the Port Antonio Infirmary in the public sphere is unacceptable.

The association says Montague needs to be mindful of the likely impact of his action as a mentor and role model.

It further calls for members of the Jamaican society to desist from encouraging the kind of corrective counselling that was instituted against the matron.