71 students complete GPHC’s work-study programme

Seventy-one students from various public and private schools across the country have completed their work-study attachment programme at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where they experienced the challenges and excitement of working in the medical field.

The work study students and GPHC crew

The students underwent six weeks of training, where they shadowed various personnel in the profession. They were trained in areas within GPHC’s four macro departments.
That is, within the Nursing Services, which include the clinics; the Professional Services, which include the hospitals’ laboratory and Medical Imaging Department; the Pharmacy Department; the Health Information; and the Management Systems.
The Facilities Management Services catered for the training of the technical institute students who were trained in plumbing, carpentry, electrical, laundry and biomedical departments. Additionally, the Administrative Services, which encompass the Human Resources Department, the Finance Department, Procurement Department and the Dietary Department, were where the students from the Carnegie School of Economics were trained.
Jedia Jeffrey, one of the trainees and a student of Queen’s College, said her experience was fulfilling.
“I had never expected to learn so much that I know now. Never had I expected to now have such an appreciation for this institution because I never expected for everybody to be working along so well and for it to be so organised. So firstly, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the staff of the Radiology Department for accommodating me and explaining everything I didn’t understand, and for always answering my questions because I had many,” the young woman expressed.
Pricilla Hope of the North Georgetown Secondary School and Kareem McLean of the Government Technical Institute (GTI) shared similar sentiments.
“I learned filing for the matrons’ office, I filed correspondents, my hands hurt, my back hurt but it was very much fun. We really did enjoy our time here especially with our supervisor Ms Roberts, who gave us motherly advice and it was always fun,” Hope said.
Manager (ag) of GPHC’s Pharmacy Department Catherine Wilson urged the students to continue working hard when they fully enter into the world of work.
“For each of you, you would have gained knowledge, experience, wisdom and discipline that prepares you for your next level in life, whether it’s returning back to school or beginning work. So as you go ahead, I will charge you that you should always be punctual and do your best no matter what those around you are doing,” Wilson charged.
Two other programmes are expected to commence soon for another batch of students at GPHC.