The original article can be found in: Trinidad Express By Michelle Loubon
Khan was speaking at the eighth National Public Health Sector Quality Awards at Hyatt Regency hotel, Port of Spain, on Saturday.
Its theme was “Caring: the Essence of Quality.”
Among those present were permanent secretary Christine Sookram, deputy permanent secretary Asif Ali, Dr Donald Simeon, Director of Research, Training and Policy at CARPHA, retired permanent secretary (Health) Antonia Popplewell and Chief Medical Adviser Dr Rohit Doon.
Khan also paid tribute to the nominees and awardees for exemplary services.
Khan said: “There were approximately 2.4 million visits across the health system. Primary health care about 910,000, Accident and Emergency about 51,500, over 17,000 surgeries were done and about 20,000 births
Khan added: “Today’s healthcare is complex and demanding and focused on creating client centred experiences. There is an urgent need to make our leaders more accountable to healthcare. Leaders need to listen to the staff and patients. I am a firm believer in leading by example. We need to start a conversation. This can be achieved by personal commitment. Quality improvement lies in the principles and understanding the situation. Leaders need to understand when our patients come to us they are in need of care and they have a right to respect and professional care. This principle should be promoted. We have achieved and there is a lot more work to be accomplished.”
Khan said while there have been “good patient testimonials,” several complaints were posted on his Facebook page, including “When will our RHA staff learn to talk to people with respect?” So the awards ceremony was a good opportunity to reflect upon attitudes.
“A large percentage of complaints had to do with the attitude of staff. and we are there to create good quality care. It is everybody’s business and it requires champions at the boardrooms and at the bedside,” added Khan.
Among the achievements he listed were construction of the Insect Vector Medical lab at Couva sponsored by PCS Nitrogen, the implementation of the oncology unit at San Fernando General Hospital and the removal of soft drinks and fatty foods. Apart from complimenting stellar performers, Simeon urged them to continue adopting best health practices. Like Khan, he said “There is still much work to be done to achieve the goal of quality healthcare.”
Award recipientsProject Team: Primary Care-Clinical
Cervical and Breast Screening Team Mayaro DHF, ERHA
Primary Care Non Clinical-Diabetic Support Group Couva DHF, SWRHA
Special Category Awards: Maternal Health and Child Health-Development of a Standardised Antenatal Home-Based Record for the Antenatal Clinic, Point Fortin Health Centre, SWRHA
Customer Service Award-Secondary Care
Breast Reconstruction-St James Medical Complex, NWRHA
Golden Award
Healthy Eating Active Living Children’s Camp, Scarborough Health Centre, SWRHA
Facility Award: Health Centres
Matura Outreach Centres, ERHA
Special Category Awards
Vertical Services/National Programmes
The School Health Programme
Quality Individual of the Year: Medical Professional
Dr Dherek Jhagroo, ERHA
Dr Claude Khan, Couva, DHF, SWRHA
Quality Individual of the Year: Nursing Professional
Roxanne Moore-Seaforth, Oncology Unit, TRHA
Management Professional
Anjanie Singh-Gyan, ERHA
Professional Related to Medicine
Leela Dial-Tillluckdharry, Mt Hope Women’s Hospital, NCRHA
Allied Health Professional
Daniella Stoute, ERHA
Manipulative Staff
Kathy Ann St Louis, NWRHA
Provider Agency Award-ERHA
Vertical Services
HIV
Hansen Disease
QPS Counselling Centre/Clinic
Special Awards
Dr Steve Boodram
Dr David Toby