Members of staff at the Holberton Hospital View photo »

Health professionals at the Holberton Hospital have been encouraged to continue to do the good work they have been doing in spite of the growing criticisms from the public.

Giving his remarks at the annual Christmas visit programme of the Governor General Sir James B. Carlisle and Lady Emma Carlisle at the Holberton Hospital, Minister of Health the Hon. John Maginley, commended the staff for their strength and courage in delivering health care at its highest level.

He said persons should be more responsive about the work that is being done at Holberton rather than slandering the institution and the health workers.

According to Maginley, there is a strain on the workforce at Holberton, since many nurses have taken up jobs elsewhere, and this has left a strenuous condition on those that are remain to carry on the work.

The Health Minister noted that the government is seeking assistance from the World Health Organisation (WHO) the University of Health Sciences Antigua at Dow Hill and the American School of Medicine in the training of nurses. He said the School of Nursing is doing a tremendous job in training persons to become nurses, but is hoping that more persons would develop an interest in the health care service.

Minister Maginley also pointed out that negotiations are underway with a group out of Nepal, India, to assist in the training and recruiting of nurses, which to help replenish those that have migrated.

He also told the health professionals that he is hoping that Mount St John will be in operation soon in order to alleviate some of the burdens faced at Holberton Hospital.

Other priority areas that will be improved upon at the Holberton Hospital include security and the beautification of the premises.

Acting Medical Superintendent Dr. Linda Lovell-Roberts in extending Christmas greetings stressed the need for persons to begin to pay more attention to their lifestyles especially in the prevention of chronic disease such as hypertension and diabetes. She indicated that it is the individual responsibility to look about his/her health to maintain good physical well being.

She praised the general staff at Holberton for the work they have been doing in providing health care to patients at Holberton Hospital and added that this work is comparable to other International countries.

The Governor General Sir James B. Carlisle and Lady Emma Carlisle, together with senior health officials and health care workers toured the wards to meet and extend Christmas greetings to the patients.

Digital photos by Consuela Parker

For further information contact:

Consuela Parker
Communications Officer
Ministry of Health
consuela.parker@antigua.gov.ag