The original article can be found in: Trinidad Express By Sue-Ann Wayow
FOR more than two years, the San Fernando General Hospital has been without specialist neurosurgeons and administrators cannot say when the positions will be filled.
An unknown number of patients suffering brain injuries have been sent to hospitals in north Trinidad for treatment.
The hospital has made special arrangements for its patients to be treated at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex and the Port of Spain General Hospital where the free neurological services are available to the public.
Chairman of the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA), Dr Lackram Bodoe, said yesterday Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan was aware of the situation.
He said a meeting was held with Khan on Wednesday and ” the matter was again raised”.
Bodoe said, “The board is satisfied that (Khan) is making every effort possible to procure the services of neurosurgeons for the San Fernando General Hospital in the shortest possible time.”In February, Khan said at least five neurosurgeons were expected to arrive by April to work in Trinidad.
Two Cuban neurosurgeons came last December with a group of medical personnel and were working at the Mt Hope Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope, said Khan.
Khan said three more would have arrived after Carnival and one would be coming from Spain.
He said the Spanish neurosurgeon who had previously worked in Trinidad would be based at the San Fernando General Hospital.
Each neurosurgeon will serve for a minimum of two years, Khan said then.Attempts to get in contact with Khan yesterday were unsuccessful.
Chief Executive Officer of the SWRHA, Anil Gosine, said last year that he had been trying to secure the services of a neurosurgeon for more than a year without success.
He said there weren’t many neurosurgeons in the country because some who studied abroad for the specialist position often did not return.
The remuneration package offered in the Public Service contributed to the shortage, Gosine said.
