[www.inewsguyana.com] – President David Granger has promised to develop the capacity of the Diamond and Leonora Diagnostic Centres, following a tour of those facilities on Monday, December 28.
The President also used the opportunity to observe the maternity care capabilities of the institutions. According to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency, during the ‘fact-finding’ mission, President Granger was accompanied by Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton and other senior medical officials.
Ge said the objective of the exercise was to assess the capabilities of both institutions.
“We wanted to see the challenges that face the ordinary patients who came in off the road. Mothers particularly, and we want to see what measures needed to be put in place in order to provide a better quality health care,” President Granger said.
According to the release, Minister of Public Health, Dr. Norton said while the tour of these facilities has highlighted various challenges that will be addressed, one of the aims of the visit was to look at opportunities to build capacity in maternity care.
The Minister noted that it is unfortunate that at both facilities there is capacity for vibrant maternity units but this potential has not been developed.
Speaking on overall challenges, the Minister noted that it is critically important that the issue of nursing shortage be addressed. He added that plans are in train to provide better conditions for nurses as well as patients in the maternity ward at the GPHC.
“They are hardworking nurses, I think they like their work and they all seem enthusiastic, but we must give them the material and facilities that they need to work,” Dr. Norton said.
I believe,making Diamond and Leanora Diagnostic Centers operating like hospitals is a step in the right direction,having them well equipped with the necessary equipments a hospital needs so as to enhance the services given.I also feel,that the Georgetown Hospital needs a change,having children seen by other doctors,instead of being attended to by the same doctors older and senior citizens have to see,thus easing the long periods the older folks have to spend there.There are times,when a child will come a very long time after an older individual,but has to see that same doctor before,which is very frustrating and unfair.IT IS TIME FOR A CHANGE THERE.Another matter that needs attention is medication.Many times patients have to purchase medication that was prescribed by the doctors,because they did not receive same at the Pharmacy there,thus creating some financial embarrassment for many.Having the right medication always at the Georgetown Hospital will cause people to feel safer and better.