Minister of Health Dr. Lackram Bodoe and Minister in the Ministry of Health Dr. Rishad Seecheran made a visit to the Scarborough General Hospital on Friday to assess the hospital’s operations.
Leading the delegation was Dr. Faith Brebnor, Deputy Chief Secretary and Secretary of the Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection within the Tobago House of Assembly (THA).
Minister Bodoe told the media the visit was upon invitation from Secretary Brebnor, and guidance from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
“I will certainly be focused on working with the Secretary for Health to work in whatever way I, as the Minister, and my colleague, Minister in the Ministry, to assist Tobago in whatever way as far as the health sector is concerned, and I do believe that when the Honourable Prime Minister makes a promise, she is well known for keeping her word. In fact, that is the reason why she is here serving a second term, and she has reminded me that although we are only two months into office, please, you haven’t visited Tobago as yet, so that is part of the reason, in addition to the Secretary’s kind invitation.”
The Ministers along with members of the executive team of the Ministry of Health toured various departments of the facility, observed operations firsthand, and engaged with medical and administrative staff on the ground.
Minister Bodoe expressed satisfaction with what he saw.
“I am quite pleased that the hospital is functioning very well. As you know, this hospital was opened in 2012 thereabouts under the previous People’s Partnership government, and I am very pleased that it has been maintained. Almost all of the facilities I saw and services are working.”
Areas of need were also highlighted during the tour.
“Of particular interest would have been the state of the cardiac catheterisation lab. Of course, in addition to the routine services that are offered to Tobago, we also want to ensure that all manner of healthcare is provided, including cardiac services. I am aware that over the past few years, Secretary, that some of your patients would have been transported to Trinidad, and, of course, the idea is to try and provide as many services as possible.”
The visit focused on the current service delivery landscape in Tobago, ongoing infrastructure development, and opportunities for improving patient outcomes and resource efficiency.
Secretary of Health Dr. Faith Brebnor explained that following Friday’s site visit, representatives of the Ministry and Division will meet to further discuss Tobago’s needs.
“We would sit down and we would look at where the health system is, as you know my aim is to ensure we provide the best quality service to the people of Tobago. The Minister has committed to collaborating with us.”
During the visit, the Ministers also met with Ms. Chrislyn Moore, Chairman of the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA), and Dr. Delmon Baker, Chief Executive Officer of the TRHA.
The Ministers’ visit comes on the heels of the lifting of emergency mode at the Scarborough General Hospital.