FOURTEEN orthopaedic technicians on Monday were presented with their certificates when the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) held a graduation ceremony at the Resource Centre, New Market Street, to conclude the Orthopaedic Technician Training Programme for Batch No. 6.

Giving the charge, GPHC Director, Medical Education, Dr. Madan Rambaran urged the newly-certified orthopaedic technicians to adopt professionalism in their duty as they return to their respective hospitals across the country.

He observed that there is need for healthcare employees to be respectful and caring, adding that the Maternity Section has had too many complaints.

The programme which started 20 years ago has come a far way with the advance of technology and there is now an affiliate course with the University of Guyana (UG), Dr. Rambaran added. He also charged the faculty to review the course to make it better for participants to acquire the technical expertise.

Meanwhile, Senior Registrar, Orthopaedic, Dr. Kaaleshwar Ramcharran, giving a report on the course, said the programme originated 20 years ago after it was recognised that technicians needed training in order to properly put casts on sprains and fractures.

Orthopaedic technicians, (sometimes called orthopaedic technologists) work with orthopaedic surgeons in caring for patients with injured joints and bones. Principally, orthopaedic technicians are responsible for applying casts, splints and braces.

IMPROVEMENTS
Dr. Ramcharran noted that the training programme was geared towards effective patient management and it has seen significant improvements, attracting students from overseas and private hospitals.

He said that six students from Belize have been attending the training programme for the past four years. This recently concluded orthopaedic technician training programme started on April 11, 2016 with 16 students but only 14 graduated, including two from Belize.

Dr. Ramcharran pointed out that the programme was an intense one with lectures, theatre classes, on-call duties, course work, both theory and practice, and two months of internship.

He added that four of the 14 students graduated with distinctions and the course was vital for hospitals as the students were trained to diagnose fractures, etc., and to become surgery assistants.

In his charge to the graduands, acting Chief Executive Officer, Allan Johnson urged that they should strive for excellence always through hard work and the pursuit of advanced studies.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings was absent from the ceremony on Monday.

The best graduating student, Oswin Rockliffe expressed gratitude on behalf of his colleagues for the support given by the facilitators and others who contributed to their success.

He told the gathering that the journey was not an easy one but the students were steadfast despite the challenges and they were able to gain invaluable experience. He challenged his colleagues to maintain professionalism in executing their duties.

The 14 graduands were presented certificates while Rockliffe was awarded a trophy for being the best graduating student.