This afternoon’s public board meeting of the Gibraltar Health Authority acknowledged recently appointed CEO, Freddie Pitto’s post at the head of the board. Commenting on his first meeting, Mr. Pitto thanked GHA staff members for their assistance throughout his first few weeks as CEO. He insisted that he was proud and honoured to take the position and complimented the Authority on the fantastic and significant changes that have come about recently. He also acknowledged the gaps and challenges that the GHA had yet to face. He noted, ‘ It’s going to be a long journey ahead with many challenges.’ He explained that they were working on implementing a new Management structure through their first strategic plan since 2009.

Mr. Pitto added that his aim was to build the GHA into one of the best health care agencies, providing the best quality services possible to Gibraltarians. Touching upon his Report for the first quarter of 2013, Mr. Pitto explained that the GHA experienced an increased demand in emergency services during the first few months of the year. He noted that the external review of the GHA’s ambulance service, which was recently carried out, is set to be put to the board on its completion in the near future. Board members questioned the necessity of an external review for the service. Chairman DR. Cortes insisted that it followed the retirement of the Ambulance service’s managing director gave the Authority an opportunity to carry out the report, which Dr. Cortes explained, was overdue.

With regards to the new Mental Health Facility, Dr. Pitto said that its expected completion date was sometime in early 2014. Answering a question from a board member, on a possible increase in staff for the new unit, Dr. Cortes explained that they would be looking to recruit at least 18 extra staff members for the opening alone, these would include more nurses and cleaning and maintenance staff, as the four floor building will require more maintenance than the current facility.

Moving on to questions from the public, Mr. Pitto answered questions on extensive waiting times in the A&E department. It was noted that this was due to individuals being categorized under the urgency of their ailment, meaning that immediate attention will be given to those who need it more. The A&E department follows a Triage system, which sees patients seen initially by a triage nurse, for an initial phase of tests. Mr. Pitto condemned the excessive waiting times. He added that 50% of A&E attendances were duplicate visits.

Dr. Cortes then commented on the recently approved new kitchen and garage for St. Bernard’s Hospital. The two new additions will sit on the west of the building, with the kitchen joining the first floor via a bridge. Following a question on patient meals, it was announced that the Hospital was looking into making significant changes in the serving of meals and the clean up that follows. New equipment is currently being established. A service to provide baked goods to patients was also in the pipeline, with Dudley Toomey Ward being the first to see the service implemented.

The meeting also covered the implementation of a new logo for the GHA, as well as the discussion on a policy on photography on GHA premises and an amendment to the IVF policy.