Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 18, 2018 (SKNIS): While delivering the featured address at the 16th Annual Scientific Conference of the Caribbean College of Surgeons (CCOS) Awards Banquet held on June 15 at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, Minister of State with responsibility for Health, the Honourable Wendy Phipps, shared the importance of relationship building in the advancements of healthcare in St. Kitts and Nevis and the wider Caribbean.
In speaking to the delegation of medical practitioners, Minister Phipps said that “a relationship assumes that people, groups, or systems must connect with each other if they are to maintain their integrity and connectedness.” She then listed some benefits of a healthy relationship, which include having a positive effect on life, assisting with stress reduction, and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
“My simple message to you tonight is that the future of healthcare in St. Kitts and Nevis and the wider Caribbean is vested in relationships,” said Minister Phipps as she explained that in three short years, the government has been able to establish a chemotherapy-based Oncology Unit; constructed the Arthur W. Lake Mental Health Day Treatment Centre; doubled the capacity of the hemodialysis centre at the JNF General Hospital; completely refurbished and renovated the Mary Charles Hospital; and now has under construction a brand new health centre in Tabernacle.
She also made mention of the introduction of MRI service and the procurement of a brand new CT-Scan machine at JNF General Hospital by a St. Kitts-born doctor residing in Texas, Dr. Andy Redmond.
“These are the types of relationships that will enable us to advance the cause of improved health and wellness for the people of our region. Our Team Unity Administration has had an opportunity to see health partnerships develop from the strategic relationships that have been forged over time,” she said.
