Continuing his round of meetings with the Regional Health Committees around the country, Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, yesterday met with the Region Ten Regional Health Committee, in the Linden Hospital Complex boardroom, where members were allowed to state their concerns about the provision of quality health services in the region. One of these concerns was the condition of the nurses’ hostel. Dr. Ramsaran indicated that visits to the hostel must be done by senior staff of the hospital to ensure their smooth running.
The Health Committee members indicated that arrangements are being put in place to address the effective running of the hostel, which includes the proper collection of garbage and the construction of a benab for recreational purposes.
The Health Committee had previously requested additional support staff for the hospital to assist the specialists.
With regard to additional staff, Dr. Ramsaran stated that to further enhance efficiency, accommodation needs to be provided close to the work site for the doctor.
He also emphasised that following the final examinations recently written by trainee nurses, the region will be supplied with trained staff from within the Region.
Chief Executive Officer of the Linden Hospital Complex, Gordon Gumbs, indicated that four houses are readily available to accommodate the doctors. He also emphasised that emergency work would commence on them and $1.6M has been allocated by the region to furnish the living quarters.
The Health Committee also highlighted the need for doctors to conduct outreaches in the riverine and outlying areas in Region Ten, such as Malali and Muritario.
This is an urgent need, since, in the outlying areas, health services are provided by a Medex and a Community Health Worker. However, in some areas, the Medex is not permanently stationed at the health centre, but conducts visits.
The outreach programme also facilitates the transfer of knowledge from the doctor to the medex.
Dr. Ramsaran indicated his approval for the outreach programme, and added that doctors from the National Ophthalmology Hospital would also join the team to provide eye care. Dental services can also be provided.
The Health Committee also spoke about the shortage of doctors in Kwakwani and the negative attitude displayed by nurses.
Dr. Ramsaran advised that the committee come up with internal mechanisms to address the attitude and behaviour of the nurses.
He suggested that the senior nurses do a “walk-about” to observe the nurses carrying out their duties, and staff meetings can also be held.