PHA December 2018 Newsletter

Volume 7 | Issue 12 DECEMBER On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish every member of our PHA family a warm and merry Christmas and a blessed and healthy New Year. The message of the Christmas season is one of hope, renewal and generosity; these are the values clearly expressed throughout our institutions and agencies as we seek to bring good cheer to our patients and encouragement and appreciation to our staff.

My fellow Board Members and I to extend our grateful thanks to our wonderful staff who provide a high standard of service and care throughout our public hospital institutions and agencies. We thank all of you for your hard work and continued commitment to improving service delivery over the past year.

We are particularly mindful of those of you who will be working over the Christmas period, while some staff may enjoy the holidays with loved ones, many of you will be performing your duties throughout our hospital wards and clinics. Thank you again for your efforts and I know you will continue to do all you can to continue to deliver safe and quality services, even as you sacrifice time away from your families, to ensure that others return to their families in improved health.

The Board also wishes to say thank you to the many volunteers, civic groups, NGOs and strategic partners who help PHA institutions fulfil their mandate to deliver quality care. Volunteers at our public hospitals add a critically important dimension to patient care, comfort and personal services that would not otherwise be available. Our Volunteers are instrumental in improving the patient experience at all of our PHA institutions and we are proud of their dedicated service.

Just as 2018 presented its challenges, we will likewise face new challenges in the year to come. However, the Board has every confidence that we will continue to overcome in the future, just as we have in the past, by working together and putting our patients and their best interests first.

The PHA continues to be our national leader in healthcare delivery, and we will lead as long as we are committed to the values of accountability, efficiency and patient centred care.

God bless and keep you all.

MR. JULIAN J. ROLLE, CPA Board Chairman

Princess Margaret Hospital: (242) 322-2861 Accident & Emergency (PMH): (242) 326-7014 National Emergency Medical Services: 919 or 911 Sandilands Rehabilitation Center: (242) 364-9600 Rand Memorial Hospital (GBHS): (242) 352-6735

“This Board is particularly pleased with the template we have created for increased private sector involvement in infrastructural and material improvements at our public hospitals.

Working hand in hand we can achieve so much more than either the public or private sector going it alone.”

Julian J. Rolle, CPA

Chairman of the Board/PHA

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Message from the Chairman of the Board of Directors, PHA Message from the Managing Director, PHA Inspirational Bible Verse Medical Humor Ask The Doctor Diabetic Wound Care Symposium Raises the Bar & Announces Target to Reduce Amputations by 50% Christmas at the PHA Corp. Office Healthy Eating Tips for the Holiday Season The Annual Visit of The Governor General to PHA Institutions GBHS Year End Activities Supplies Management Agency Retirement Breakfast Healthy Recipe Corner GBHS A&E Gives Back Birthday Greetings Calendar of Events

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Colleagues: This special time of the year holds special significance for many of us, as we take the opportunity to celebrate faith, family and the joy of the season. This is a time when the bonds we share with our loved ones are refreshed and renewed as we make the effort to be of good cheer. Here at the Public Hospitals Authority, we make every effort to encapsulate and enrich the joyous spirit of the season not only for each other, but for our patients and their loved ones as well. The Christmas music that you may hear in the hospital halls, the decorations in corridors and hospital wards, and the good cheer of our staff is all aimed at brightening the day of those patients, who because of illness or injury, are forced to share part of this holiday season with us.

As we close out 2018, I encourage all of us to make a special effort to communicate the joy of Christmas to all of the patients in our charge. We can do this firstly, by making sure we are providing quality care, timely service and a compassionate environment. Secondly, we can ensure that during this holiday season our every action and interaction with patients and their loved ones “There is no greater are characterized by love and good cheer. investment we can make, than an investment in All the year round we are engaged in creating a you the staff, volunteers, partners, vendors and patient centered culture throughout our network friends of the PHA. of public hospitals. At the PHA we are fully Without each one of us committed to redeveloping our public hospitals doing our part we into facilities with the design and infrastructure cannot fulfil our that reflects a high level of excellence; and we mandate to meet the will continue with our investments in hospital healthcare needs of our improvements into the future. We will also move fellow Bahamians. forward with our strategic vision to enhance revenue generation within our hospitals, which Catherine E. Weech will allow us to reinvest in improving our service Managing Director/PHA delivery, quality of care and access to care.

With these thoughts in mind, I offer to the extended family of the PHA, my best wishes for this holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New year, God bless you all.

Catherine E. Weech Managing Director, PHA

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DIABETIC WOUND CARE SYMPOSIUM RAISES THE BAR & ANNOUNCES TARGET TO REDUCE AMPUTATIONS BY 50% The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) recently hosted its second annual Diabetic Wound Care Symposium at the PHA’s Corporate Training Centre last month. Special guest trainer Nancy Morgan, co-founder of the Wound Care Education Institute (WCEI) out of Illinois led the training for the symposium. The sessions provided Registered Nurses with education and training on the latest evidence-based approaches to wound management, enhancing the likelihood of better outcomes for patients.

Aubynette Rolle, PHA’s Director of Quality and Patient Safety, noted, “We have a high incidence of diabetes in the Bahamas, and one of the main risks of diabetes is developing ulcers. This is why we have invited Nancy Morgan, who assisted in our first Wound Care Specialists training program, to once again assist in our second such symposium.” Participants included physicians, nurses and pharmacists from the PHA and private sector.

The Bahamas is a world leader with respect to incidences of diabetes; according to a 2015 study conducted by the IDF (International Diabetes Federation), which showed that 6.7 % of the local Bahamian population, which is about 23,000 people were pre-diabetic, and that 36,000 (9.2%) were diabetic. November is recognized in the Bahamas as Diabetes Awareness Month with November 14th recognized globally as World Diabetes Day. Dr. Danny Johnson, Consultant Podiatrist with the Ministry of Health evidenced his support for the Wound Care initiative, “November is World Diabetes Month and the awareness, action and access is on with us in the Bahamas. We have with us a world renowned trainer who is training all the nurses in the public health system to assess the diabetic foot early so that we can take action.”

Dr. Johnson further outlined the approach being taken to address diabetic wounds and their complications, “We know that is the awareness about diabetes in the family, there has been no family in the Bahamas that has not been affected by diabetes. Our team is really aware and serious about reducing the rate of amputation by 50% in the next five years. What does this mean? We are putting together a national screening tool, it’s a 60 second tool, in 60 seconds we can assess the nerves, blood supply and competency of the diabetic limb. We assess these patients in three categories small, medium and high risk, meaning green light, yellow light, red light. These people are treated if they need it within two weeks. We have set up a station of excellence at the South Beach Clinic and we are currently in the process of organizing a comprehensive team to screen throughout the Bahamas.”

Joy asks, “Doc as a diabetic what is the best way to navigate the holiday feasts and celebrations?”

Joy, thank you for your important question. Living with diabetes is a fact of life for many Bahamians. It can be a challenge to maintain healthy habits that help control blood sugar during the holidays, when there are so many rich foods and drinks being offered.

But you can manage your diabetes if you:  Pay even closer attention to your diabetes medications than you normally do and test your blood sugar daily.  Let people know you are diabetic and that you should not indulge in foods rich in sugar and fat, so that they don’t make a point of offering you those kinds of food choices.  When eating at a buffet, choose a smaller plate that will help you control your portions.  Decorate your plate for healthy eating, fill up half the plate with choices of raw salads, vegetables and fruits before you select other more rich foods.  Avoid sugary drinks and avoid overindulging in alcohol.  Maintain daily physical exercise, this is even more important to help you control your blood sugar during this time of the year.  Drink lots of water.

You can enjoy the holidays and properly manage your diabetes with a little foresight and planning.

If you have similar questions on diabetes please email: askthedoctorbahamas@gmail.com Listen to “Ask the Doctor”, presented by Dr. Monique Pratt, Internal Medicine Consultant GBHS, during the 6:30 p.m.

Freeport Newscast on ZNS TV channel 11. Brought to you by The Public Hospitals Authority “Working Together for Best Quality Healthcare”.

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PMH Management Says

THANK YOU!!

Management and Staff of the Princess Margaret Hospital extends a special thank you to the Minister of Health, Dr. Hon. Duane Sands, MP & his helper Mr. Glen Ward, Bahamas FirstALERT Weather Network Ltd., who paid a surprise visit to the Princess Margaret Hospital on Christmas morning, December 25th 2018. They were loaded down with gifts and goodies for patients on the Children's Ward in an effort to spread a little Christmas cheer to youngsters who would spend the holiday in hospital.

Dr. Sands and Mr. Ward were assisted in the gift-giving by the Nurses of the Children’s Ward and members of the Kiwanis Club of New Providence.

Minister Sands extended special thanks to Kelly's Ltd. and to the Aidan Roger Carron Children's Foundation, for their efforts to showcase the real meaning of the season with the donation of items to the paediatric patients, helping to make Christmas a little brighter for the children and their families.

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The usual pomp and pageantry was experienced during Her Excellency, The Most Honourable Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas‟ visit to Grand Bahama Health Services. This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Head of State‟s official visit to this institution.

The ceremony was held under the theme, “A Very Special Christmas” on the west parking lot, Rand Memorial Hospital on December 5. Masters of Ceremony were Mrs. Anthia Bartlett, Nursing Officer I, Community Psychiatry and Mr. Wilbert “Wil” Stubbs, a renowned Bahamian Comedian.

Welcome remarks were delivered by Ms. Sharon A. Williams, GBHS Administrator, and she also introduced the Minister of Health. Dr. Honourable Duane Sands, Minister of Health addressed the attendees. He gave an overview of the achievements of GBHS and infrastructural and service improvement proposals for the ensuing year. He acknowledged the contributions of the 17 retirees, paid homage to the four deceased staff members and thanked the remaining staff and volunteers for their continuous labour in the ministry of health and healing.

Her Excellency, The Most Honourable Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor-General delivered an eloquent and impassioned speech to the GBHS family. She noted how blessed we were to be spared the ravages of hurricane.

Special emphasis was placed on volunteerism which she described as a concept which uplifts those who serve and those who receive. She noted that GBHS has a robust volunteer programme, thanked the participants for their outstanding dedicated support, and encouraged all involved to continue and do all to develop the concept even further. She wished everyone a very special, happy and blessed Christmas, and best wishes for healthy and prosperous New Year.

Other official guests included Senator the Honourable Kwasi Thompson, Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator the Honourable Katherine Forbes Smith, President of the Senate, Senator the Honourable Jasmine Dareus, Mr. Harcourt Brown, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, Mr. Samuel Butler, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Julian Rolle, Chairman of the Public Hospitals Authority Board, PHA Board Directors including Dr. Ebbie Jackson, Mr. Ejnar Cornish and Mr. George Godet, Ms. Catherine Weech, Managing Director, PHA and Ms. Sonia Rose, Acting Hospital Administrator, PMH. Spectacular musical renditions were performed by Grand Bahama Christian Academy choir and the legendary Fabulous Cooling Waters. During the Staff Recognition, 17 retirees were awarded for their outstanding contributions, and the four deceased staff of GBHS and Police Inspector Carlis Blatch, Aide de Camp to the Governor-General were paid respect with the release of balloons and a moment of silence. Immediately following the ceremony, the Governor-General toured the Lula Knowles Paediatrics Ward, and Medical, Surgical and Obstetrics Wards. A cocktail reception ensued in the hospital foyer.

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GBHS Year End Activities Grand Bahama Health Services held three major activities all focused on the Staff to complete the end of the year in a celebratory mode.

The Annual Decorate-a-Door competition was once again keenly contested. On December 3rd, after grading by an independent panel of judges, Radiology Department placed first, Pharmacy obtained second place, and Administration rounded up in third place.

December 7th will go down in the history of GBHS as the most EPIC Staff Luncheon ever held. Tables were competitively decorated by Managers for their Staff. The large Foster B. Pestaina Auditorium of Pro -Cathedral of Christ The King was filled from wall to wall with elegant, uniquely dressed tables fit for kings and queens. Once judging was completed, again by artisans from the public, Building Department won first place, and Maintenance Department and Business Office tied for second place.

An Ugly Sweater Competition also took place, which resulted in Gayla McPhee, Business Office Manager and Kayla Swain, Administrative Area Manager taking the prizes. Line staff were served by their Managers and there were lots of entertainment and tons of prizes.

The end of year festivities concluded with an evening of fun and laughter in a programme for GBHS Staff Children. Entitled, “Let The Children Sing”, the talent explosion was held on December 14 in the hospital foyer.

The children recited poems and anagrams, sang carols and an original rap song composed by the young performer, played drums, modelled Christmas fashions and performed a pantomime. The night was topped with the animated rendition of “We wish you a merry Christmas” by the entire cast. Each child was presented with a gift from Santa Claus and refreshments were served.

GRAND BAHAMS HEALTH SERVICES

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Retirement Breakfast in Honor of

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RECIPE CORNER: CRANBERRY SAUCE QUICK BREAD INGREDIENTS  1 Cup Whole Grain Quinoa Flour  1 Cup Whole Grain Millet Flour  ½ + ¼ Cup Homemade Cranberry Sauce  1 TB Psyllium Husk Powder  1 Tsp Baking Powder  ¼ Cup Granular Sugar  ½ Cup Fresh Cranberries  ½ Tsp Cinnamon  ½ Tsp Allspice  ½ Tsp Pure Vanilla Extract  1¼ Cup Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk INSTRUCTIONS:  Preheat the oven to 350°F.  In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except the extra ¼ cup cranberry sauce and stir well to form a smooth batter.  In a well-greased bread pan (8x4 or 9x5), pour the batter in and smooth it evenly throughout the pan.  Take the ¼ cup of reserved cranberry sauce and pour it in a line down the middle of the loaf. Use a knife to swirl it into the batter a bit.  Bake the loaf for 40-45 minutes and allow it to cool on a wire rack.  Enjoy at room temperature or warmed. You can also slice it up and freeze it for later use!

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GBHS

Accident/Emergency & Urgent Care Centre’s Annual Give Back (December 14, 2018) - ACCIDENT/EMERGENCY GIVES

BACK

On Friday December 14, 2018, the Clinical and support staff of the Accident/Emergency & Urgent Care Centre led by Dr. Michelle Sweeting, Clinical Director, visited the Grand Bahama Health Services Home.

Also in attendance were the Hospital Administrator, Deputy Hospital Administrator, Senior Administrative Managers, Acting Principal Nursing Officer, other Senior Nursing Officers, and the Manager for Accident & Emergency clerical staff.

The visit was coordinated by the team for their on-going annual give back to charities and communities throughout The Bahamas.

A brief programme was held prior to the presentations. There were presentations of care packages for the Home, gifts to 21 children (individually) and faculty. A light refreshment luncheon concluded the visit.

This „Give-Back‟ community outreach venture occurred after a week of activities in observance of Accident & Emergency Week held October 20 – 26, 2018 under the theme, “A&E: Advancing Healthcare & Exceeding Challenges.” The activities including a fun-run-walk, an opening ceremony, an outdoor fete, an in-house raffle, communications workshop for all GBHS staff, staff skills enhancement undertakings such as Nurses Skills Day, A&E Physicians CME sessions, and Laser Tag & Paint Ball for team building and just plain fun were all in an effort to focus on enhancing the clinical and interpersonal skills, provide healthcare education for the public, promote self-care empowerment and healthy lifestyle choices.

DECEMBER CELEBRANTS

All proceeds from the various fundraisers aided this year‟s give-back programme.

JANUARY 2019 1st New Year’s Day 10th Majority Rule Day 13th Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 21st Martin Luther King Jr. Day 27th World Leprosy Day   

Cervical Health Awareness Thyroid Awareness Month National Birth Defects Prevention Month

Corporate Publications Unit 2018