RHS Director reports…
MAJOR works are expected to be done to improve the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) with the primary aim of having the theatre fully operational, Regional Health Services (RHS) Director, Dr Narine Singh said.

He said the main objective should be achieved in a week’s time, noting that the theatre was not in operation for the entire 2009, due to electrical problems.

During that time, cases had to be referred to Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) but it would be a big boost when the WDRH facility is again available, Singh stated.

Other problems at the latter institution, over the last year, surrounded water supply and a malfunctioning generator, compounded by frequent blackouts from Guyana Power & Light (GPL).

But Singh said those issues are now being resolved and he hopes the WDRH will function at full capacity soon.

He said a new generator is being installed and it is planned to better the capacity for delivery of quality health care in Region Three (West Demerara/ Essequibo Islands).

Singh said, in terms of human resources, new nurses, a medex and community health workers (CHWs) will be added to the staff complement.

“We will try to enhance the hospital so, as soon as the relevant people finish training, they will be stationed there,” he informed.

Singh announced that some rehabilitation is scheduled for sections of the complex following assessments that were done to determine the needs.

“We will be doing the work in phases. The in-patient ward and the surgical block are the main areas identified,” he said.

Singh said sections, among them the Paediatric Ward, the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department and the out-patients block were rehabilitated last year.

However, what is being done currently is part of greater efforts to upgrade similar facilities, aimed at advancing the delivery of quality care in the country, he said.