A 15-member management committee for the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC), which will be chaired by Mortimer Mingo, was installed on Wednesday by Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence.

At the simple installation ceremony, Lawrence in her short address said that she does not prefer the band-aid methodology to be used to remedy issues at the hospital, but a hands-on approach which will allow the team to get to the bottom of the issue, rather than to bring temporary solutions.

“I expect that there will be reports, we will be able to analyse those reports and make interventions very quickly,” Lawrence said. She said that it should be a matter of looking back to see what were the errors, but they must now look forward in brining solutions. “I must be able to stay where I am and know that the people of Region 10 can be given the highest possible care and also to assure the staff, that their needs are attended to.”

She urged the committee members to reach outside of government to help alleviate some of the issues, since the ministry can’t do it alone. “There are so many other bodies and organisations out there that are willing to help; let us be careful, but let us utilise what is available, let us ensure that whatever is done, is done in a transparent manner, that there is accountability and that we respect the laws of the land.”

Chairman of the Committee, Mortimer Mingo, said that he has taken the minister’s comments very seriously and will do all in his power in collaboration with the other members to assist in the robust delivery of health care services to the residents of Region 10. “I want to assure you that we are well aware of the task that lies ahead and I think that with cooperation and with consultations outside of the committee with other stakeholders, there is much we can achieve as it relates to health care delivery in Region 10.”

CEO of the LHC, Dr Mohammad Riyasat, who ensured that Minister Lawrence and her team were warmly welcomed, said he was grateful that the Management Committee has been installed, since it is very important that the management of the hospital is guided accordingly. The hospital he said, has visions, targets, objectives, as well as issues and the presence of the board will go a long way in assisting it with achieving its objectives.

The 15 members are: Denise Belgrave, Dr. Riyasat; a representative from the GPSU, Maurice Butters; Regional Heath Officer, Dr Pansy Armstrong; former matron Niomi Cox; Technician Patrick Hutson; representatives from the LMTC, the nurses’ association, Sub Region Two, RDC, the Linden Electricity Company, the Linden Cancer Society, religious organisations, and the People’s Progressive Party. A management committee was installed in 2016, but was quickly dissolved after irregularities were cited. After installing the Management Committee, Lawrence and her delegation toured the facilities of the LHC and interacted with patients and staff members. Lawrence is on a three-day tour in Region 10, where she will also be visiting the Upper Demerara Hospital on the Wismar shore, the Kwakwani Hospital, the Ituni Health Centre and other health centres in Linden. She will also be meeting with the Regional Health Committee, nurses, doctors and other staff of the LHC.