A Health Fair, on Monday, May 6, part of Nurses Week in Anguilla, attracted a large number of persons, many of whom received on-the –spot tests and advice. The Fair was held on the grounds of the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
Chairperson of the opening ceremony, Mrs.Maeza Demis-Adams, HIV/AIDS Coordinator, told the gathering about the Nurses’ dedication to, and concern for, the health of the people of Anguilla. “Your 21st century Nurses have recognised the needs of our beloved island, the alarming increase of citizens being diagnosed with chronic non-communicable diseases, and the burden disease place on our society,” she stated. “It is with this dedication that the Nurses present to you, today, a grand exhibition of preventative health-care under the theme Prevention Is Better Than Cure.”
Mrs Demis-Adams noted that the various health booths provided a full range of services. These included HIV testing, cholesterol testing, blood pressure and glucose checks, dental and vision examinations, first aid, cervical and breast cancer services and nutrition awareness.
Chief Nursing Officer, Serene Carter-Davis, commended the executive members of the Nurses Association for their foresight in planning a comprehensive week of activities from May 5-12. “These activities are geared to offer an opportunity for us to commemorate the work that we do – and to demonstrate, yet again, our commitment to our vocation,” she said. “The intent of this Fair is to continue to mobilise the Anguillian public to engage in activities that will promote and sustain healthy lifestyles.”
Mrs. Carter-Davis stressed that the Nurses were cognisant of the fact that chronic non-communicable diseases – such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart disease, obesity and cancer – were on the increase globally. She pointed out that the human and economic costs were not sustainable and could undermine the development of small, fragile countries like Anguilla.
She said that, aware of the number of regional health declarations, the Nurses had organised the Health Fair to continue to build a culture of, and a commitment to, health and wellness. She explained that this was being done through showcasing various technologies, tests, health promotion images and literature offered by the Anguilla health sector.“It is anticipated that, following this Fair, all of us will be encouraged and empowered to either begin to, or continue to, make significant lifestyle changes to eliminate the physical, economic and social burdens caused by lifestyle diseases.”
Managing Director of Medical Air Services Association (MASA) in Anguilla, Donald Curtis, was pleased that his organisation had again sponsored the Health Fair. “It takes a lot of hard work and great organisational skills to coordinate something like this, and MASA is very proud to be involved,” he said. “I would like to commend the Nurses for their continued dedication to their vocation that benefits so many of us…We at MASA see the Nurses in their role almost everyday and we appreciate their work. For the last three years MASA has been honoured to work with the Health Authority of Anguilla, and the Nurses Association, in efforts to educate the people of Anguilla about the importance of taking control and responsibility for their own health. We owe it to ourselves, our employers, the community, and most importantly, our families to identify any health problems as early as possible.”
Dr. Bonnie Richardson-Lake, Permanent Secretary, Health, said Nurses were well-positioned for leadership roles in primary health-care services, to meet the increased demand, implement strategies to improve quality care, and play a key role in innovative patient-centred delivery of care models.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Health, I take this opportunity to thank the Nurses and MASA publicly – and a very special thank you to the Nurses Association – for planning a week of activities to commemorate Nurses Week, and for working so hard the other fifty-one weeks of the year,” she said. “This health expo is indeed keeping with the theme Prevention Is Better Than Cure. I encourage everyone to take full advantage of this opportunity, and I thank the Nurses for their continued dedication to delivering quality and innovation in patient care.”
Mrs. Twyla Bradshaw-Richardson, President of the Anguilla Nurses Association, was the driving force behind the organising of the week of activities. She expressed gratitude to all persons for their support, and to members of the public for attending the Health Fair.
