On Thursday June 12, you published a letter from Gillian Field, mother of Narissa Marie Field who was involved in a vehicular accident on May 31, and subsequently passed away at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital. On behalf of myself and family, I would like to extend condolences to the mother, Narissa’s immediate family, extended family and friends. The unbearable pain a mother experiences at the death of a child is unimaginable in most cases and heart-wrenching in all. My thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of grief.
What amazed me was that even in this moment of great loss, she took the time to write a letter to the Editor thanking the staff at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital for the compassion shown, and professionalism displayed while her daughter was admitted to and underwent various procedures at the aforementioned institution. The letter headlined “Eternally grateful to the staff at Port-of-Spain General Hospital” stated “So often have I read and heard very negative reports about the hospitals, but through this letter, I would like to let the people know about the professional, compassionate and dedicated staff that my daughter, my family and I encountered at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital.”
I was particularly touched that Ms Field would take time to write this letter because members of the medical profession at all levels in the public health system are dedicated to providing the best service they can. All is not well, but the Government through the Ministry of Health and the Regional Health Authorities continue to work towards providing the highest quality health care to all citizens. While the Government is constructing additional hospitals to meet the health demands of a growing population, it must be acknowledged that how we deal with patients and their families is just as critical as the medical treatment they receive and the facilities in which they are housed. The Ministry of Health will continue to develop policies that will ensure that patient care and patient service is continually improved as time goes by.
The team at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital was performing their duties in various capacities. They know what is expected of them and they perform not only because it’s their profession but they perform because it is a labour of love. I am grateful to Gillian Field, a mother in mourning, yet courageous and kind enough to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the professionals she encountered at the POSGH. I know this is a difficult time for her but at least, according to her “I left the Port-of-Spain General Hospital changed forever, but eternally grateful to the staff.”
Dr Fuad Khan,
Minister of Health