THE New Amsterdam Hospital created history in the “Ancient County’ of Berbice, yesterday, when the Administration of the institution hosted its first Community Day.
It saw a presentation and mini exhibition to demonstrate that the health facility is capable of addressing medical and surgical needs.
Addressing a gathering on the tarmac of the health complex, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA), Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo highlighted the achievements of the facility but noted that there is room for improvement in health care.
“We have made mistakes; we have our faults and issues, but we served the people,” he maintained.
Mahadeo also pointed out that the BRHA has been responsible for the training of many professionals who have either left or been transferred from the region and it has left a vacuum in the human resource division.
“We not only offer services. Nurses and doctors have been trained here and I think the staff at the New Amsterdam Hospital deserves an applause for the work they have done here,” he insisted.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the New Amsterdam Hospital Complex, Mr. Allan Johnson, in his remarks, mentioned several achievements and shortcomings of the institution but noted that the administration is working to rectify and improve services.
Many challenges
He added: “Nurses rose above many challenges and have continued to work and deliver proper health care to those who come to this institution for assistance.”
The New Amsterdam Hospital was recently in the spotlight over the alleged poor services offered at the Accident and Emergency Department.
However, Ms. Avia Lindie, who serves on the current Board of Directors, congratulated all workers for taking the noble step of joining the medical fraternity and urged the public to be constructive in their criticisms.
“If you (the public) are not part of the health sector, it is easy for you to judge (us), but a lot of good things are happening and are yet to be highlighted (by the media).
Criticisms are necessary for us to improve in what we do but we must commend those who have made sacrifices to improve our health care delivery,” she emphasised.
From 2014, an annual programme of work will be posted on a bulletin board at the institution, and members of the public and the media would be allowed to peruse it.
In event of shortcomings, questions will be entertained by the CEO and the Public Relations Department.
