Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: PHA Rehabilitation Week Opens; Rehab Retirees and Staff Recognized
#Nassau, September 25, 2018 -Bahamas -As the first Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) Rehabilitation Services Week officially opened, 
Monday, September 24, 2018, Catherine Weech, Managing Director, PHA, assured rehabilitative professionals that improving the quality of rehabilitative services in the Bahamas is an integral element of health services strengthening.
“The many challenges you face, particularly with respect to equipment procurement and equipment maintenance, lack of physical space and the need to scale up recruitment of rehabilitative professionals are front and centre at the highest levels of the PHA,” said Ms. Weech.
The aim of the week is to increase public awareness of what rehabilitation is, what it does, who can benefit from it. Members of the PHA, physiotherapists and hospital administrators attended the ceremony at PHA’s Corporate Office. The theme for Rehabilitation Services Week is ‘Rehab: Your Progress is Our Passion.’
Former and present rehabilitation health care workers who have contributed to the development of rehabilitative care to patients were also recognized during the event.
In her remarks, the director urged the rehabilitation service workers to work to forge relationships with the University of The Bahamas to introduce the relevant allied health programs into the curriculum in the future. She suggested the creation of a working group or committee of professionals to spearhead issues to ensure that The Bahamas is in a position to meet the demands for care, now and in the future.
She gave them the assurance of the support of the PHA and the Ministry of Health.
Ms. Weech acknowledged the organizing committee responsible for Rehabilitation Services Week. “Only your colleagues will have any idea of the dedication and skills required to help your patients make progress toward their individualized health outcomes. Only your families will understand the relentless hours of hard work invested in improving the lives of the patients in your care,” she said.
In her welcome, Heather Hanlan, Director, Rehabilitation Services, explained that rehabilitation comprises a set of specialized interventions that are designed to optimize functioning and reduce disability in individuals with health conditions and may include circumstances of ageing, pregnancy, stress, congenital anomaly or genetic predisposition.
Miss Hanlan said according to the World Health Organization, fifteen percent of the world’s population live with a disability. According to the 2010 Census, in The Bahamas, over 10,000 persons with disabilities reside here.
“It should come as no surprise that here in The Bahamas there is a total of only 115 licensed rehab professionals, inclusive of the public and private sectors, serving a population of 400,000. It is noteworthy to know only 30 of these professionals work within the public healthcare system.
“It is therefore no mystery why it is important to raise public awareness of this often overlooked element of our public health system.
“With continued medical advancements, improvement of our health services, the ageing population and the increase in chronic non-communicable diseases within The Bahamas, more people are living longer and with disability. This means in addition to focusing our health services on reducing mortality, we have to simultaneously ensure that people get the best possible outcome after injury or illness. Rehabilitation is a key component in meeting this objective,” said the director.
She affirmed PHA’s commitment to strengthening the development of occupational therapy, recreational therapy, physiotherapy, speech language, pathology, audiology and respiratory therapy within the PHA and community.
Rehab services are currently offered within the PHA at the following:
The Princess Margaret Hospital: Physiotherapy, respiratory therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy (limited)
Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre: Occupational therapy, physiotherapy and recreational therapy
By Kathryn Campbell
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header and Second Insert: Rehabilitation professionals with members of the PHA.
First Insert: Catherine Weech, Managing Director, PHA, is pictured, seated centre, with PHA Rehab Retirees who were recognized during the ceremony. Dr. Millicent Rollins, Deputy Director, Rehabilitation is shown standing at far left and Heather Hanlan, Director, Rehab Services is standing at far right.
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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