Health

Two New Polyclinics To Be Constructed

Government has committed to building two polyclinics to replace the existing ones in Warrens, St. Michael, and Oistins, Christ Church.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Davidson Ishmael, made the announcement during the Psychiatric Hospital’s Inaugural Awards and Recognition Ceremony, held at Mahogany Ridge in St. Thomas, last Saturday.

He told management and staff attending the ceremony that employees must be given the necessary resources to excel, inclusive of purpose-built facilities, so they can effectively deliver services.

The buildings at the Eunice Gibson and the Randal Phillips Polyclinics had outgrown their usefulness, he explained, adding that the remaining polyclinics would be refurbished.

The Minister mentioned that the ongoing construction of the Geriatric Hospital at Waterford, St. Michael, which will accommodate 300 residents when Phase One is completed, was at an advanced stage.

Mr. Ishmael said that maintenance of these new buildings will be prioritised by Government with the setting up of a Board of Management for the infrastructural management of polyclinics and laboratories across the health care sector.

He further noted that the Board will oversee the renewed investment in health care facilities to improve the delivery of service to citizens. Additionally, he shared that there are planned upgrades to the Psychiatric Hospital, at Black Rock, St. Michael, as part of the phased refurbishment plan.

“Central to the notion of investing in our workforce is the concept of work-life balance. We must ensure that if we are asking our staff to work hard and strive for excellence it must not come at the cost of their health or having an unequitable work-life balance,” he said, adding that Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley had promised a compact towards creating an environment locally, where nurses would feel more inclined to stay and ply their skills.

Mr. Ishmael continued: “She also agreed to have gyms created at all health facilities to be provided, free of cost, to staff. I can assure you that not only nurses, but all staff of the Psychiatric Hospital and the Ministry of Health and Wellness will have access to the newly refurbished Gym at the Psychiatric Hospital in the not too distant future. As a Ministry of Health and Wellness, we must first ensure the wellness of those who are being asked to look after the health and wellness of the nation.”

*Retired Senior Nursing Officer, Althea Clarke, receiving the Grace Bailey Start Award of Excellence from Director of the Psychiatric Hospital, David Leacock*.

The Minister of State also expressed the view that in order for public servants to excel in their roles, they needed to be provided with the necessary resources, training, and support to deliver high-quality service to the public.

He noted this would be done through strategic investments and reforms, aimed at enhancing efficiency, accountability, and transparency across the public sector.

Furthermore, he said the Ministry would support the Psychiatric Hospital in building out its inaugural awards programme to ensure that other areas that speak directly to high performance and client satisfaction are recognised and rewarded, not only on a yearly basis, but throughout the year, to ensure employee engagement as well as client and employee satisfaction.

“Government has insisted that all departments not only develop service charters but deliver on these promises relative to customer satisfaction, and for this reason awards such as the “Client Service Awards” and the “We Care Awards” will be given special attention, as these are directly related to feedback from those we serve,” Mr. Ishmael said. (PR/GIS)

Health

Team RUBIS gets set to Walk for the Cure in 2024

RUBIS will Walk for the Cure in 2024, supporting the Company’s silver sponsorship of the annual fundraiser, which is organised by the Barbados Cancer Society’s Breast Screening Programme in partnership with CIBC Caribbean.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, October 6^th, 2024, and Team RUBIS will be out in full force as 103 staff members, their families, and friends join the effort to raise awareness about breast cancer. The event also generates essential funds for purchasing equipment and other critical resources needed by the Breast Screening Programme.

Mellissa Broomes, Brand Marketing Specialist, underscored RUBIS’ commitment to the cause, stating: “We are proud to support the Walk for the Cure, recognising the significance of this cause and its role in educating the community. This initiative is vital in raising both awareness and funds in the fight against cancer, and we are honoured to contribute to such a meaningful and impactful cause.”

Sonya Alleyne, Treasurer of the Breast Screening Programme of the Barbados Cancer Society, welcomed RUBIS’ involvement.

“The Breast Screening Programme of the Barbados Cancer Society is thrilled to welcome Team RUBIS on board as a sponsor for the Walk for the Cure event on Oct 6, 2024. We are mindful that there is a great demand on your marketing spend and are thankful that you chose to invest your dollars in this extremely important area. Your dollars go to ensure that breast cancer screening is done with cutting-edge equipment and diagnostic tools. This way, we can detect breast cancer early and commence lifesaving treatment. Early detection is your BEST protection,” Ms. Alleyne stated.

With its contribution, RUBIS continues to demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility, supporting critical health initiatives that positively impact the lives of Barbadians. (PR)

CAPTION: L-R – Rudolph Smith (RUBIS Sports Club), Sonya Alleyne (Treasurer, Breast Screening Programme), Elsa Yearwood-Gill (RUBIS Sports Club), and Mellissa Broomes (RUBIS Brand Marketing Specialist).

Health

Walk for the Cure Activity Heats up

Activity surrounding the largest walk-for-a-cause in the Eastern Caribbean heats up, as plans are confirmed for the Walk for the Cure which takes place on Sunday 6^th October 2024 starting at 3.30 p.m.

Walk Manager for the BSP Michelle Straughn indicating the location of a tent to one of the sponsors while Samantha Suttle Walk Manager for the bank (front) speaks to Daveny Ellis of DL Smith Productions.

Interest is high from corporate sponsors and their staff who are ready to take part in the walk, as well as the numerous vendors who will be on hand for the expected 20,000 people who will be either walking or running for the Breast Screening Programme (BSP) of the Barbados Cancer Society.

*Walk Manager for the BSP Michelle Straughn indicating to the sponsors one of the locations for their banners with Walk Manager for CIBC Samantha Suttle behind her.*

Many of the sponsors and vendors were on hand for the site visit on Thursday to see where they would physically set up their tents and banners and also get a final briefing on the route which starts at Warrens again this year. (PR)

Health

PwC in the Caribbean makes donation to Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Ross Parker, PwC East Caribbean Territory Leader, proudly announced a donation of BDS$30,000 to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados. The announcement happened at a PwC cocktail reception attended by the PwC network firms operating in the Caribbean’s core leadership team, the local PwC partnership, and key PwC clients and contacts from corporate Barbados.

The NICU at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital plays a critical role in providing specialised care to newborns, particularly those born prematurely or with medical complications. It also supports obstetrics and gynaecology with antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum emergencies. This donation will assist with the purchase of much needed equipment that will help to improve overall patient care. These enhancements are vital for ensuring that the most vulnerable of newborns receive the best possible start in life.

When announcing the donation Ross Parker said, “At PwC, we believe in giving back to the communities that support us. We want to thank the NICU, its doctors and staff for their tireless work and dedication to treating those in need. They’ve provided critical care to the children of many of our PwC colleagues, families and friends, for which we are so grateful. This donation to the NICU underscores our commitment to supporting the health and well-being of the communities we serve, making a positive impact where it matters the most. We are honoured to contribute to the health and future of Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean’s youngest citizens, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.”

PwC had the honour of presenting the cheque to Dr. Angela Jennings and Dr. Gillian Birchwood. Dr. Birchwood expressed her gratitude on behalf of the NICU, highlighting that the donation will significantly enhance the vital care provided to newborns.

Caption: From left to right: Ross Parker, PwC East Caribbean Territory Leader, Dr. Angela Jennings, Head of the Pediatrics Dept, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Dr. Gillian Birchwood, Head of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital. (PR)