Oct 29 – Cortes Says Last Four Years Have Been “Transformational” For Health Service As GSLP-Libs Gear Up For Election
A new mental health facility, IVF treatment that has resulted in 23 pregnancies, a restructured GHA, local training and career progression for nurses and a significant, record-breking increase in operations are just some of the achievements of the GSLP-Libs’ four years in power. That was the message delivered this afternoon by Dr John Cortes who has served as Health Minister during what he describes as a “transformational” period.
Dr Cortes said that when he was elected, the health service was in many respects “dysfunctional.” He said that thanks to the support of staff, his ministry had been able to improve many services offered to GHA patients whether this was in the form of expanded screening programmes, a renewed focus on training which has seen around 40 Nursing Assistants train to become Enrolled Nurses or an increase in the number of consultants and GPs.
Surgery is another area that has seen improvement. He said: “The cancellation of surgery due to a shortage of beds used to be rampant; this is now a thing of the past.”
Dr Cortes also highlighted the new hospital kitchen, the Smoke Free Environment Act and the new electronic health record as achievements he remains “immensely proud of.”
He added that the recent announcement that the GHA would soon be able to provide a chemotherapy service locally made financial sense and would make treatment less stressful for cancer patients.
FUTURE PLANS
The GSLP-Libs also hinted at several plans which are likely to make their way into their manifesto.
The party aims to resolve appointment problems generated by an increase in demand and improve the provision of services at the Primary Care Centre. Further screening programmes are also planned including an improved cervical screening campaign.
In addition, the GSLP-Libs also plan to open a day care centre for dementia sufferers and make improvements to Mount Alvernia. Specialised services led by healthcare professionals will also be expanded.
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