Bahamas News
Freeport Community Clinic Top of GBHS Priority List
#Bahamas, December 18, 2017 – Grand Bahama – The construction of the Freeport Community Clinic remains a priority for the Ministry of Health and the Public Hospitals Authority, according to Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Michael Pintard. The Minister noted that for far too long the lack of a primary care and outpatient care hub has negatively impacted Freeport’s residents.
Standing in the capacity of Acting Minister of Health, Minister Pintard represented the Minister of Health during ceremonies to commemorate the 19th annual Governor General’s visit, which took place on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, at the Rand Memorial Hospital.
“With the construction of the 62,000 square foot healthcare center, the people of Freeport will have a modern health facility that will provide adequate space for residents to conveniently access general practice, specialty and family medicine clinics, maternal and child health, mental health and adolescent and school health, and emergency medical services.
“We anticipate that the new healthcare center will also facilitate the housing of a rehabilitation suite and a disease surveillance unit, which will expand community health services as well as primary and specialty care.”
Minister Pintard pointed out that one of the high points of 2017 in Grand Bahama was the expanded and upgraded community clinic in West End. He noted that the Clinic in West End has become the envy of health care facilities in Grand Bahama, and also the talk of the town across the country.
“In addition to increased areas for examination and treatment, improved security and waiting area, an emergency and trauma area and training room have been created at the revamped West End Clinic,” said Minister Pintard in his address.
Minister Pintard praised the staff of the Grand Bahama Health Services whom he said sometimes work in the unique environment of a local health system, where synchronicity and synergies between the public hospital institution and the network of public health clinics provides seamless access to care.
This dynamic, he added, fosters a deep connection between GBHS staff and the communities they serve.
“I believe that this connection is best displayed when communities are tested,” said Minister Pintard. “Time and time again Grand Bahama has been tested, whether it be the fury of nature in a Hurricane Irma, or the persistent economic malaise that continues to shackle opportunity.
“It is during those times of testing that the leadership and the staff of the Grand Bahama Health Services have always stood in the gap for the patients in their care and for the island they serve. For our part in the local community of Grand Bahama, we owe you a debt of gratitude. We thank you.”
The acting Health Minister told the Governor General that her official visit provides an opportunity for not only Ministers of Government, but for supervisors, managers and heads of department and for members of the public to thank members of the staff of the GBHS in a wider capacity.
By: Andrew Coakley (BIS)
Header: NICE TO MEET YOU – Governor General of The Bahamas, Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling shakes hands with some of the doctors and nurses during a tour of the Rand Memorial Hospital, during her official visit on Wednesday, December 13, 2017. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
Insert: BRINGS REMARKS – Acting Minister of Health, the Hon. Michael Pintard brought remarks during the 19th Annual Governor General’s visit to the Rand Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, December 13, 2017. During his address, Minister Pintard highlighted some of the achievements in health care on Grand Bahama. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)