NCRHA boasts hundreds of operations throughout pandemic

THE NORTH Central Regional Health Authority's (NCRHA) chief executive officer Davlin Thomas has praised staff at the Arima General Hospital for having completed hundreds of critical operations throughout the covid19 pandemic, including 116 holmium laser lithotripsy procedures.

These entail using a surgical laser to perform several types of urological surgeries such as the removal of kidney stones.

In a media release from the NCRHA, Thomas said none of its accomplishments in over the past year would have been possible without the efforts of members of staff who "consistently showed up on a day-to-day-basis in the wake of a global pandemic to make sure that the NCRHA was able to provide quality patient care and service."

He said they displayed diligence, sacrifice and commitment.

The NCRHA said the Arima hospital also completed 117 prostate biopsies, 150 ophthalmological procedures such as cataract surgery, another 82 vascular surgeries, and 32 paediatric surgeries.

"At the (NCRHA), providing quality and accessible healthcare, while reducing the risk of exposure to both staff and patients is and continues to be a top priority."

Patients are swabbed for covid19 three days before their scheduled surgery date and screened for symptoms on the day of their surgery.

Once the procedure is successfully completed, patients are allowed to leave the facility and are provided with follow-up care via scheduled appointments.

"Special tribute must be paid to all doctors, nursing staff and all other members of staff – whether medical, technical or clerical, that have worked together collaboratively to ensure the NCRHA provides quality, patient-centred care."