Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen culminated their 2015 hospital tours in a stirring reception at the National Chest Hospital on Thursday (December 17, 2015), where care packages, electrical appliances and other gift presentations were made in collaboration with corporate sponsors.
In his heart-to-heart address, Sir Patrick Allen complimented the National Chest Hospital and Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre staff for surmounting many challenges and staying committed in delivering of their best for the wellbeing of their patients.
“One of the things that we have found on this tour that has impressed us so very much is the absolute commitment and dedication of the staff; medical staff and just about everyone. We are so very impressed with the quality of service and this quality of service that we are seeing, I don’t believe it is staged,” the Governor-General stated.
In referring to some of the lessons learnt from Lady Allen who is a trained nurse, His Excellency stated that, talks with the many patients revealed unrehearsed responses lauding the outstanding work the doctors and nurses are doing for their recovery.
In summarizing his observations the Governor-General declared that, “The work being done in the South East Region is very commendable and appreciated” and stressed the importance of patient comfort and their state of mind as important to the healing process.
He encouraged that they, “continue with much zeal and determination to surmount the obstacles and to give of your best at all times.”
The Governor-General went on to remind his audience of executives within the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA), health care providers, patients, members of the media and staff that, “we are a nation family, and in that family there is love” and “we should build together and feel alright.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Vincent Riley, CEO of the Liguanea Region of SERHA gave a very encouraging overview of the successful surgeries and achievement of the National Chest Hospital in its 75 Anniversary Year and the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre in its over fifty years of existence.
Dr. Andrei Cooke, SERAH Board Chairman in his greeting pointed out that the National Chest Hospital and the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre are the only two health facilities within SERHA to give Executive Service and, that the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre is the only health facility to which an educational institution is attached and that the National Chest Hospital is the current home of the Cuban Eye Care project.
The Governor-General Annual Hospital Tours began at the Bustamante Hospital on December 8, making stops at the Port Maria Hospital on December 10 and the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre and the National Chest Hospital on December 17.