Region Six gets roving elderly clinic

Apr 03, 2014 News

The Berbice Regional Health Authority [BRHA] last Sunday launched the first ever Dedicated ‘Care for the Elderly Clinic’ in Guyana at the Number 69 Village Mandir, Corentyne.

Dr Mahadeo gives a cane to a grateful senior.

The clinic attracted well over 130 senior citizens who had access to specialized care. This roving health clinic will cater to people 65 years and older. It will add to the existing ‘Home Base Care Programme’ which has been ongoing for over five years.
The ‘Care for the Elderly Clinic’ will be held monthly in communities across the Region in partnership with volunteer group support on the ground. PAHO had assisted in training seven persons from the Regional Health Authority in the Management of the Elderly. This team will form the core of the management unit.
The launching exercise received firm support from many volunteers from the Number 69-70 Community Development Group and the Number 69 Mandir, Corentyne.
During a brief formal opening ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of the BRHA, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, stated that this level of specialized care has been in the making since Dr Leslie Ramsammy was Minister of Health.
The BRHA, he said, took the time to invest in a team of doctors to be trained in geriatric care. This was achieved with help from PAHO who trained seven persons in the Care of the Elderly. He also said that the Food for the Poor Organisation has also been very supportive with the provision of items that the elderly need.
He explained the need for specialized care since these older patients would not be able to tolerate treatment and medication prescribed for other age groups owing to the realities of chronic illnesses, age and decreasing resilience.
During the recent clinic, seniors had access to specialist doctors, members from the Diabetic Foot Care Centre, Physiotherapy Department, a Psychiatrist, Psychiatric Social Worker and BRHA Administrative Staff doing nail care, hair care and beauty care for seniors.
They were also able to access the pharmacy and laboratory services while several patients were referred to hospitals for follow up.
“One of the goals of the BRHA is having health delivered equally across the board…We start by going home to those who are bedridden…We not only visit them but take drugs, take a physiotherapist…We also sort out their NIS forms and claims to disability
“When we have we take to them pampers, walkers, bed pans, crutches …” stated Dr Mahadeo.
The Home-Based Care Programme does not capture the entire aging population therefore the concept of the open community clinic for geriatrics was conceived to cater for all citizens over 65 years.
Dr Mahadeo thanked the hosts; Number 69-70 Community Developers and the Number 69 Mandir for providing meals, accommodation and transportation to kick start the programme.
Other groups and organisations were also urged to partner with the BRHA to help transform the lives of seniors and honour their contribution.
He also reminded all present that effective delivery of health comes with strong partnership from the providers of the services and the community.
The local group also committed to ensuring that the seniors who attended the clinic will be able to uplift their medication on time.
However, those in attendance were urged to utilize the range of services available at the nearby Number 64 Health Centre.
Minister of Agriculture, Dr Leslie Ramsammy gave his blessings to the event. He noted that it is one of the many special projects run by the BRHA which he supported during his tenure as Health Minister.
Dr Ramsammy embraced the concept of nurturing the elderly while touting the ambitious programme as a model not only locally, but also on the international scene in the delivery of health services and care of geriatrics.
The Minister challenged the BRHA and the team on the ground to perfect the clinic.
“It is an initiative that should be duplicated across Guyana …it is an initiative that should be duplicated in the Caribbean and around the world…Guyana is teaching the world many new things and this is one that we are teaching the world,” stated Minister Ramsammy.
Moreover, the Minister applauded the BRHA and encouraged them to continue to promote health services and care in an innovative manner.
He alluded to the increase of the life expectancy age since his tenure as Health Minister, pointing out that “this clinic by the BRHA will directly increase quality of life of the elderly in Region Six.”