Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence on Wednesday officiated at the reconstitution of the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) Management Committee, which consists of a total of 15 members.
In addressing members of the committee, the minister shared her vision and expectations, and noted that the committee is expected to assist in the alleviation of issues which plague the institution.
“We have been attempting to address many issues using the Band-Aid methodology, and that is not how I manage things. I expect that there will be reports, and we’ll be able to analyze those reports and make interventions very quickly,” the minister said. She added that there have been deficiencies from both the ministry and from Region 10, which have been recognised and are being addressed.
The minister further said she is aware there are high expectations of the Public
Minister Volda Lawrence along with Dr Farouk Riyasat and Chairman of the Committee, Mortimer Mingo
Health Ministry, but urged staff to work within their means and utilise what is available.
“I want to say to the Committee that I expect that you would reach outside of Government to try to alleviate some of the issues which confront the health sector at the Linden Hospital Complex”, she said, even as she acknowledged that the Public Health Ministry does not have the physical capacity to, and cannot, do it alone.
She urged Committee members to ensure they operate in a transparent manner, and that there is accountability and respect for the law.
“Let us zero in on the issues, and let us look for ways in which we can alleviate those issues, and alleviate (them) in a long-term fashion…,” she said.
Chairman of the Committee, Mortimer Mingo, in his remarks, thanked the Public Health Minister for reposing confidence and trust in him to lead the management team.
CEO of the Linden Hospital Complex, Dr Riyasat, who also made brief remarks, thanked the minister for officiating at the reconstitution of the Committee, and pointed out the importance of having guidance in the management of the Linden Hospital Complex. He said the presence of the Committee would go a long way in achieving the hospital’s vision.
In the Region for only three days, the minister said she would like to have more frequent and closer interaction with the hospital’s staff. Following this assignment, she conducted a tour of the hospital, including its Maternity Ward, Intensive Care Unit, and other departments, where she interacted with staff. She also met with nurses in Region 10.
The members of the committee include Councillor and educator Denise Belgrave, LHC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Farouk Riyasat, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Health Officer Dr Pansy Armstrong, former matron Naomi Cox, technician Patrick Hudson, and representatives from the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LMTC), the Nurses Association Sub-Region 2, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), the Linden Cancer Society, the religious community, and the People’s Progressive Party, whose members have not yet been named.
