Authority, polyclinic P

28 FEATURE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Regional Health Authority, polyclinic among plans of Region 10 – RHO

ARegional Health He added that due to that ical supplies stop, while the in Linden developed into Authority, the trans- fragmentation and with a lot hospital may be experiencing polyclinics to offer more serformation of the of vertical programmes from the difficulties...but with this vices such as X-rays, ultraWiruni Health Centre into the Health Ministry, there is one system we can eradicate sound and ECG which he a polyclinic, the Kwakwani a bit of complication to the that,” he conveyed. noted are currently lacking. Hospital into a diagnostic system in Region 10 as com- Additionally, the RHO Once achieved, he said these centre and specialised treat- pared to the other regions. shared plans to build and clinics can also conduct spement and care at the Linden “For that reason, we need improve or build on existing cialised clinics and laboratoHospital Complex (LHC) are one healthcare system, one structures within the prima- ry services. According to Dr amongst the plans of the new- system of governance. And ry healthcare system. In this Harris, a few of the laboratoly-appointed Regional Health for that reason, I’m pushing regard, he said he wants to ry services will be rolled out Officer (RHO) of Region 10 for us to have the Regional look at riverine communities before the year is out while (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Dr Health Authority or we can where it is difficult to access the others will be looked at Gregory Harris. have a system where the hos- healthcare. in the 2021 Budget. He noted

Dr Harris, who recent- pital can be annexed to the re- “So we want to strength- too that services such as ully began serving in this ca- gion (RDC),” the RHO stated. en our access, and more so trasounds and X-rays can crepacity, shared these and oth- He explained that this sys- Dr Gregory Harris (in) the Berbice River there’s ate a path for the training of er plans during an interview tem of governance will have our day to day activity of the to have a better system of rethe Wiruni Health Centre. technicians and create more with members of the media in more benefits for the health hospital,” Dr Harris added. ferral where we can actually There’s a new structure that employment. Linden. system in the region as it re- He said this move would have the primary healthcare we built there...what I would The RHO further shared

“Well, the first thing on lates to capacity building and also assist with internal per- and the secondary health- like to see happening there his vision for the LHC to my agenda that I would like strengthening. sonnel issues and work-relat- care working in unison where is to develop what you call mainly offer specialised serto see happen is for us to “The Region (RDC), for ed issues. there would be a smooth flow.” a polyclinic...that would be vices and to function as a levhave one system of health- example, has the capaci- “Based on experience Additionally, Dr Harris like the central point for the el 4A hospital (emergency, care governance within ty to purchase capital items also we have times whereby noted that oftentimes, pa- Berbice River,” Dr Harris re- general and specialised operthe Region. Currently, the while the Linden Hospital staff (are) being disciplined tients bypass health centres lated. ations). Linden Hospital Complex, it’s Complex lacks that capacity. through the hospital, but be- and go directly to the hospiHe further shared his Plans are also in the pipesemi-autonomous and it func- Many times, they have to rely cause they’re not a staff mem- tal, however, if they can func- hopes to have storage for sup- line to develop the Kwakwani tions as a department with- on Central Government and ber of the hospital...they’re tion as one under the same plies and vaccines at the lo- Hospital into a diagnostic in the Ministry of Health, budgeting of funds and that employed by the RDC or the system it would be a posi- cation to eliminate persons centre where services such more so the Regional Health would stymie or slow down Ministry of Health it’s diffi- tive move, adding that this having to travel over long dis- as surgeries and ultrasounds Services Department and the the progress of the hospital to cult to discipline that person, will also help in maintaining tances to central locations at can be conducted. RDC (Regional Democratic an extent. While...if you have there’s no action,” he stressed, a constant flow of medication Linden. Further, Dr Harris related Council) also functions on its one system through the RDC, noting that a change of sys- and medical supplies within In addition, the RHO plans for the Upper Demerara own - basically manages pri- we can actually purchase ev- tem would assist in bridging the region. said he is trying to have ma- Hospital (UDH) at Wismar, mary healthcare,” the RHO erything that is needed for the gap. “There are times when the jor health centres such as Linden, to remain as an infecstated. smooth flow or to carry out “Secondly, it will help us regional bond drugs and medthe One Mile Health Centre tious hospital.