Path-breaking surgery at San Fernando General
It would be remiss of me not to comment publicly on the recent lifesaving surgery and high level aftercare a member of my congregation experienced at the San Fernando General Hospital (SFGH). To remain silent in the midst of such bounty is to miss a unique opportunity to provide a fillip to those who serve within the healthcare system.
On behalf of this lady and her family, I wish to express sincere gratitude to the multidisciplinary team at SFGH and the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) for service that could compare favourably with healthcare providers in any part of the world.
Being so close to the series of events that unfolded when this woman collapsed during a regular church service, the care provided by staff at the hospital “took my breath away”. There is no doubt that we have the capacity and competencies to rise to the level of healthcare obtained in developed nations.
When the diagnosis of the patient was revealed, a pall of darkness seemed to have descended upon the close-knit congregation. We trusted Almighty God fully, but our concern was, could the hospital deliver? A resounding Yes! It did. The service received at the hospital exceeded expectations. Through what I saw as unparalleled dedication, commitment, and a spirit of urgency, we have our church member back with us and eager to rejoin the worship team and choir.
My information is that this level of surgery was the first of its kind by the Neuro-Surgery Department in the history of SFGH. Great work.
The pre-surgery treatment was amazing. The several technical investigative procedures which were necessary to arrive at an accurate diagnosis were done with dispatch. The patient was rushed to the EWMSC for a further highly technical investigation. The range of dynamics involved at SFGH in light of the critical condition of the patient and where time was of the essence was adeptly managed. Members of staff at EWMSC were professional and empathic, and by the evening of the same day, the patient was back in San Fernando with surgery scheduled for the following day.
The family and congregation were praying for a miracle but the next day was a public holiday, Divali. When Dr Suresh Boodram showed up on the ward early in the morning to check on final preparations we all breathed a sigh of relief, remarking, “What great work ethic!” and “Some people really care.”
After some nine hours in the theatre, Dr Boodram came out and smiled. At that point, we punched the air, with our eyes lighting up. The surgery was a success.
We are also grateful to the Chinese doctors, Dr Zhang Hong Qi and Dr Yuki Wei, who were part of the surgical team, the theatre manager, the anaesthesiologist and other support staff. The staff at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) was very professional, and treated us courteously as we treasured a few quiet moments with our loved one. Care on all the other wards of SFGH was first class.
I wish the management and staff of SFGH and EWMSC great success in the future. If this is an example of the direction in which healthcare is heading, I salute the Minister of Health, the chairman of SWRHA, the CEO of SWRHA and the medical director of SFGH for their vision, enterprise and commitment. And from a pastoral perspective, I pray that all who have to access treatment at our health facilities will have a similar story to tell of excellent service.
Sandra Sankar
La Romaine