American Expatriate Costa Rica

Can a hospital official drink beer in the medical center, during working hours?

On December 24th, an user recorded an official from  San Juan de Dios Hospital (HSJD) who was drinking beer in the medical center, and apparently, during working hours.

Director of the hospital Ileana Balmaceda confirmed that it was a nursing service official and that these situations are against hospital policy and an investigation will start in the coming days.

Benjamin Gutiérrez, a specialist from BG&A Abogados Corporativos, said that in this case, being a public official, in a public place, the video itself is valid for purposes of the employer or user, if she alleges that she was not assisted.

According to him, Article 81 of the Labor Code establishes a penalty, regardless of whether it is a public or private employee, whether it is or not enrolled in the Civil Service or whether there is a labor agreement.

How to file the complaint?

According to the lawyer, the recommendation is that the user goes to the Comptroller of Services of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), or the hospital itself and files the complaint. In addition, she must ask for a “received” in writing, either by fax or email.

An investigation hasn’t started.

crhoy.com