Health Minister, NWRHA, TTRNA meet on covid19 issues

A meeting between Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh, representatives of the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) and the TT Registered Nurses Association resulted in agreement on solutions to concerns raised about recent incidents of covid19 cases at the Port of Spain General Hospital (POSGH).

In a release, the ministry said discussion centred around four areas aimed at reducing the risk of covid19 transmission at the facility. These were: utilisation of covid19 rapid antigen tests to test patients before admission and increase covid19 staff testing, especially in instances where they have been potentially exposed to the virus; reduction of the patient population to allow for increased social distancing; and, an increased nursing staff to patient ratio.

The ministry said the meeting was cordial and productive as all parties were able to provide their perspectives and discuss solutions to challenges presented. There was general agreement to solutions provided for all four areas of concern.

Deyalsingh committed to continued collaboration with the TTRNA and the NWRHA to address the concerns in the shortest time frame possible. NWRHA CEO Salisha Baksh said certain recommendations arising from recent meetings with the TTRNA, such as the increased frequency of the sanitization of wards, had already been implemented.

The CMO highlighted the fact that healthcare workers are naturally at a higher risk of contracting covid19 than the general population and thus have been placed at the top of the list for the receipt of vaccines once they become available.

The minister also reminded attendees that all three organisations share the mutual objective of the wellbeing of all healthcare workers and of patients.