Discussions to take place in coming days on roadmap to improve UHWI operations

Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton says discussions are to take place in the coming days to chart a roadmap for implementation of recommendations to improve operations at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI).

An institutional review committee chaired by Howard Mitchell proposed five recommendations to tackle the various challenges facing the hospital following the Auditor General’s report.

The recommendations call for legislative changes, enhanced board oversight, strengthening of strategic management and the appointment of an independent body to give oversight to the board, provide guidance on hospital governance and culture changes as well as to develop the critical pathway to compliance.

Dr. Tufton says government takes seriously the report and recommendations adding that Board Chairman Patrick Hylton, Committee Chairman Mr. Mitchell and Permanent Secretary Errol Green are to meet soon.

The Health Minister is expecting a roadmap out of those discussions in 2 weeks.

Noting the need for change management he says the authorities will go to the international market to engage a firm to assist with this aspect of the recommendations.

Meantime, Mr. Mitchell underscores the need for no delay in implementing the recommendations.