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HAA Reviews 2005, Reveals Plans For 2006

The Health Authority of Anguilla held a quarterly meeting of its heads of department and managers on January 27 at Paradise Cove under the leadership of the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Dexter James.

L-R: Dr. Kassim, Orris Proctor, Hon. Rogers, Carl Harrigan and Dexter James

The purpose of the meeting was to receive feedback on the achievements for 2005 and to present some of the major programme activities for 2006.

Mr. James delivered a comprehensive report which showed that the Health Authority had a most successful year, had achieved many of its objectives and was well on its way to score some major achievements during 2006. These will be outlined in a similar report which he intends to publish in The Anguillian at a later date.

Heads of Departments

The CEO prefaced his report by giving some of the highlights of a series of patient satisfaction surveys conducted by the Statistics Department relating to the operation of the health services and facilities. He reported that according to the findings, the physical environment at the Princess Alexandra Hospital had improved from 64% in 2004 to 94% in 2005; the quality of the surgical and care services had jumped from 47% in 2004 to 70% in 2005; the food service was given a rating of 77%; dental services 80% and staff friendliness and caring was rated at 80%.

Among other matters, he spoke on the Health Authority’s capital programme for 2006 which involves an expenditure of $800,000. The projects include the purchase of a chemistry analyzer, minor improvement work at the health facilities, an ultra sound machine, a transport services vehicle, air-condition units for the operating theatre, computer equipment, furniture and sterilizing equipment.

Heads of Departments

Chairperson of the Health Authority, Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks, commended Mr. James, his corporate and management teams for their hard work in developing the health services. “Even as we begin 2006, our focus must be squarely on our mandate to provide even better health care and achieve the international accreditation that we have embarked on,” she told the health workers. “Over the past year this process has assisted us in improving our standards by ensuring the documentation and implementation of a number of policies and procedures…Over the course of the year, and during the next three quarterly reviews, we will devote particular attention to the degree of achievement by each department in the areas indicated by the Canadian Council.”

Noting that the Health Authority came into being two years ago, Dr. Fleming-Banks told the heath professionals: “Back then we encouraged you to take advantage of the opportunity to create a unique centre of excellence, to set standards that would become a bench-mark for other organizations here and throughout the region…As I pay tribute to your hard work, commitment and dedication to the mission, I want us to pause and celebrate the fact that in two short years, you have accomplished that goal.”

Heads of Departments

Minister of Social Development, Evans Rogers, congratulated the Health Authority for improving the quality of service to the public. He called on the organisation to ensure that there was constant improvement in the health services. He said there must be open communication and collaboration between the Ministry and the Authority at all times. He pledged that the Government would ensure that there was an increasing level of resources available to the Health Authority.

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