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Last Updated: Dec 15, 2017 - 2:11:04 AM |
 Freeport, Grand Bahama - Remarks by The Honourable Michael Pintard Acting Minister Of Health; Minister Of Youth, Sports & Culture on the occasion of the visit of Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, GCMG Governor General Of The Commonwealth Of The Bahamas to Rand Memorial Hospital, GBHS Wednesday, December 13th, 2017 At 11 a.m. Rand Memorial Hospital:
Adopting the established protocol, I too would like to acknowledge the presence of our nation’s Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling;
I would also wish to acknowledge the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister, the honourable Peter Turnquest and other fellow Cabinet Ministers and Members of
Parliament;
Ladies and gentlemen;
A pleasant good morning!
I am delighted to bring remarks on behalf of the Minister of Health who is unable to be with us this morning owing to travel duty.
Legendary comedic actor and entertainer Bob Hope once said, “My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others.”
This is the sentiment which has inspired the longstanding tradition of our nation’s Highest Official visiting our public hospitals during the holiday season. It is simply putting love into action, love for our fellowmen who may be sick and suffering, because love is the heart and soul of the familiar Christmas narrative. Today, Your Excellency, you continue that loving tradition of bringing care and comfort to others at Christmas time; and, in so doing you, remind each of us how important it is for us to write our own lines in the enduring love story that is Christmas.
YOUR EXCELLENCY, YOUR OFFICIAL VISIT PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO SAY THANK YOU TO THE OUSTANDING MEN AND WOMEN OF THE GRAND BAHAMA HEALTH SERVICES IN A WIDER CAPACITY AND TO A MOST DESERVING GROUP OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS.
The staff here at the Grand bahama Health Services work in the unique environment of a local health system, where synchronicity and synergies between the public hospital institution and the network of public health clinics provides seamless access to care. This dynamic fosters a deep connection between GBHS staff and the communities they serve. I believe this connection is best displayed when communities are tested. Time and again Grand Bahama has been tested, whether it be the fury of NATURE IN a Hurricane Irma, or the persistant econimic malaise that continues to shackle opportunity. It is during those times of testing, that the leadership and the staff of the Grand Bahama Health Services have always stood in the gap for the patients in their care and island they serve. For our part in the local community of Grand Bahama, we owe you a debt of gratitude. We thank you. Well done!
Your Excellency, as is tradition, the occasion of your official visit also affords the Public Hospitals Authority the OPPORTUNITY TO showcase the progress made in the area of public health here at the Rand and across Grand Bahama. One of the high points of 2017 is the expanded and upgraded Community Clinic in West End. I am told that this clinic has become the envy of health care facilities here in Grand Bahama, and in this season of GOOD NEWS i am guessing that it will be the talk of town across the country.
In addition to increased areas for examination and treatment, improved security and waiting area, an emergency & trauma area and training room have been created. Speaking of progress being made, I am advised that over the next two years, 24 hour emergency services will be phased in for Western Grand Bahama inclusive of the Eight Mile Rock and West End Clinics. I wish to take this opportunity to extend profound thanks to the clinical pioneers (the doctors and nurses) that began the work in the early 1950’s and those who continued throughout the ensuing decades. we proudly stand on your shoulders as we continue the great legacy each of you have established in healthcare within the West End community. i note from the programme that you will be recognized for your invaluable contributions and I offer congratulations on behalf of a grateful people.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The construction of the Freeport Community Clinic remains a priority for the Ministry of Health and the Public Hospitals Authority. For far too long the lack of a primary care and outpatient care hub has impacted the residents of our nation’s second city. With the construction of the 62,000 square foot healhcare centre, the people of Freeport will have a modern health facility that will provide adequate space for residents to conveniently access General Practice, Specialty and Family Medicine clinics, Maternal and Child Health, Mental Health and Adolescent and School Health, and Emergency Medical Services. We anticipate that the new healthcare centre will also facilitate the housing of, a rehabilitation suite and a disease surveillance unit which WILL EXPAND community health services as well as primary and specialty care.
Your Excellency,
i am also pleased to affirm that Ophthalmology Services have been extended. A monthly Retinal Clinic commenced in march of this year with the expertise of dr. dawn russell-hermanas and a visiting nurse. Incredible results reveal a SIGNIFICANT TOTAL of 123 patients were examined between the months of april to july and october to novemer. Of that number 10 underwent surgical procedures. Additionally Opthalmology Clinic services are now conducted at the Eight Mile Rock Community Clinic twice weekly.
Your Excellency, I am pleased to advise you that the Physiotherapy Department has introduced two new services. Dry Needling is used for pain management and for the first time on grand bahama, Lymphatic Drainage is available for patients diagnosed with cancer. This is very beneficial for cancer patients as previously they had to leave the island to receive this service.
The accident/emergency & urgent care centre continues to focus on service improvement. This year their priority was on decreasing the wait time, and statistics show the success of this initiative with more than 90% of true emergency cases seen in 0 to 2 hours. A major contributing factor to this development is the decrease in patient load by some 72.7% since 2012, which is attributed to Accident & Emergency’s more structured operations, patient education regarding appropriate use of its services, improved self-care, the strong community health support, and strengthening of patient triage services.
Your Excellency, training and development fortifies the public hospitals authority’s mandate to provide best quality health care for the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. In the nursing department, one registered nurse completed a trauma course at the University of the West Indies; three registered nurses completed training in wound care with certification to train the trainer; and one registered nurse successfully completed a Master’s Degree in Occupational Health at the University of the West Indies. Training is ongoing for the Patient Care Assistants to ensure seamless cohesion with the nurses in delivering quality care.
Sadly, Your Excellency, even as our health care workers engage in diligent service to our people, death infiltrates our circle and snatches a few of our dedicated workers. this year grand bahama health services lost four of its shining stars, two emergency medical services staff, one from the business office and one hospital chaplain volunteer. we continue to pray for their families and their co-workers for such great losses. may their souls rest in peace.
On a happier note Your Excellency, it is my delight to congratulate the staff that were awarded for their performance during the public hospitals authority performance excellence and long service awards event held this past july. I also extend the highest commendation to this fine institution for capturing the coveted title of Institution of the Year. Well done Grand Bahama Health Services.
I take this opportunity to say a huge thank you on behalf of the Ministry of Health to the seven departing gems who have provided stellar service to the development of the Public Hospitals Authority and outstanding work in the provision of health care to the people of the northern bahamas. We wish you godspeed as you enjoy a healthy and happy retirement.
As I close, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Government of the Bahamas and the Ministry of Health, to formally wish each one of you a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy new year. This is a special time of year that renews our faith and enriches our spirits with a sincere message of love, hope and joy.
American business tycoon, J. C. Penny once said, “Christmas is not just a time for festivity and merry making. It is more than that. It is a time for the contemplation of eternal things. The Christmas spirit is a spirit of giving and forgiving.”
This holiday season, let your reflections on our eternal values inform your attitudes and actions not only through the Yuletide, but all through the year to come.
Ladies, and gentlemen, my final task this morning is to announce our guest of honour. Her Excellency, Dame Marguerite Pindling, has given decades of service to the Bahamian people. She has represented our nation, our culture and our values all across the globe, and today she represents the warmth and joy of the Bahamian public to all of us. I am pleased to invite to the podium, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Dame Marguerite Pindling.
Please stand and join me in welcoming Her Excellency.
© Copyright 2017 by thebahamasweekly.com
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