Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Health Services Authority Ms Paula Chester-Cumberbatch. Photo: VINO/File.

 According to the report on that day’s proceedings, she advised that the Health Services Authority “needed additional funds for two goals/project which they had started last year and needed to continue.  Those funds required for the projects were $1.5 Million for accreditation of their services and $3 Million for a Health Information Systems.”

Achievements and Challenges

 While highlighting their need for these resources, Ms Chester-Cumberbatch spoke to the Authority’s achievements. “She advised that they had commenced and will continue arrangements with the Atlantic Clinic to expand service deliveries in neurology and neurosurgery clinics.  There was an increase in the primary health care services in which 40,498 patients were seen at the clinics in areas such as well baby, antenatal, family planning, child health care and other services which was a 12.4% increase in overall visits,” the  report stated.

She also pointed to the expanded services such as bone care services for patients who are diabetic and have chronic diseases; “a successful Vaccination Week which was a dynamic programme that ensured that children, parents, and caregivers are aware of the importance of vaccinations and immunisations.    They also continued specialist services at the community clinics in disciplines of internal medicine, obstetrics, dermatology, pediatrics, gynecology, nephrology and neurology through partnerships with the Atlantic Clinic, HEMA and through the providers at Peebles Hospital.”

These achievements, she noted, were met despite the challenges being experienced.  Among these, is the incident where fifty- six members of staff left the organisation after the passage of the hurricanes last year, and an additional seven had given their notices of resignation.