The Health Authority of Anguilla is policing and fine-tuning its operations by returning to its habit, of several years ago, of holding quarterly reviews of its departmental services to the island.
The first quarter review, for 2021, was held at the Anguilla Football Association’s Conference Centre on Tuesday, April 20, from 10 am to 3.30 pm.
The well-attended event was presided over by Chief Executive Officer of the Health Authority, Mrs. Maeza Demis-Adams, who said the original reviews had pre-dated her appointment.
She outlined the objectives of the review as being:
• To review progress towards the 2021 operational goals
• Identify challenges and opportunities to accelerate progress in achieving 2021 goals; and
• To use open reporting to promote accountability, transparency and teamwork.
Mrs. Demis-Adams spoke about Excellence which the Health Authority is working to achieve. “This is our vision – a vision that is relevant today, as it was in the early 2000s,” she stressed. “It depicts the simple equation: dedication to excellence equals clients’ satisfaction. As you know about equations, they are constant – meaning dedication to excellence must always be constant to get the same reaction. It isn’t done when you feel like it, or you like your supervisor or familiar with the clients you are serving. It is a commitment that is outstanding at every encounter – whether by providing a greeting or in giving life-saving support or treatment.
“I think it is important for me to remind you of the Health Authority’s values. We believe in confidentiality; integrity; excellence; teamwork; commitment; client empowerment; and stewardship. Having just reminded you about our vision and values, I welcome you to HAA’s first quarter review for 2021.”
Referring briefly to COVID-19, Mrs. Demis-Adams added: “For me, the pandemic has illustrated what we in health already know. There can be no wealth, prosperity or growth without health. That is why it is so important for us to have activities such as this to highlight the importance of the work that we do in health.”
The Corporative Administration agenda for the review was as follows – Finance: Chief Financial Officer, Ms. Patriese Richards; Human Resources: Director, Ms. Abigail Gumbs; Quality Improvement: Quality Team; Facilities: Director, Mr. Malcolm Webster; Secondary Healthcare Nursing: Director, Nursing Services, Mrs. Alecia Haywood; Primary Healthcare Nursing: Ms. Elneth Connor; Psychiatric Services: Coordinator, Mental Health Services: Mrs. Shaunda Nisbett; Emergency Medical Services: Coordinator, Mr. Steve McDowall; Dental Services: Senior Dental Surgeon, Dr. Zandrith Villaordona-Rios; Medical Services: Director, Dr. Lishaw Ward; Community Nutrition/Dietary Services/Health Promotion: Director, Support Services, Mrs. Vernice Battick; Laboratory Services: Dr. Cheryl Dangleben, Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology; Pharmacy Services: Coordinator, Mrs. Sharon Swaving; and Physiotherapy: Ms. Khalidah Banks.
Each presentation was followed by a series of questions and answers.
In addition to the departmental healthcare workers in attendance, the others present included: the Minister of Health, Premier Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster; and the Chairman of the Health Authority Board, Dr. Clyde Bryan.
Dr. Webster noted that since 2004 the Health Authority had been the preeminent provider of healthcare in Anguilla. He also stated that there were private practitioners who have continued to supplement healthcare – a service which the Government encourages.
He continued: “I think that the accessibility of healthcare in Anguilla has been shown in the past year where travel has not sbeen easy. Before, persons did not have the confidence in the system. They did not believe in the quality of service that was provided. But they now notice that [quality of service] because the Health Authority provides the services that are needed and in a manner that takes care of the population. The Health Authority of Anguilla does provide quality care that is accessible and affordable.”
Dr. Webster added: “I am happy to be part of this Quarter One Review. I think that we need to continue to do this, and also the Annual Reviews, to show that we have met the goals that we set out today. So don’t be quiet, but give ideas because it is necessary to help our healthcare system to survive.”
