Compassionate Care Programme Remains Important – Dr. Tufton

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says the Compassionate Care Programme remains an important initiative in building a culture of quality service delivery at public hospitals and health centres across the island.

In an interview with JIS News, following a ceremony for the adoption of the Steer Town Health Centre in St. Ann on Thursday (June 24), Dr. Tufton said that while there have been significant improvements in service delivery under the programme there is still more work to be done.

He noted that since its inception in 2018, the programme has facilitated the training of more than 3,000 front-line health staff while enhancing the aesthetics of waiting areas of public health facilities.

“It’s an ongoing programme and one that has to continue. We have to build a culture of service. The public health team, for the most part, has done well, but there are always going to be cases where we need to do better. The intention is to always remind ourselves that this must be routine… for all of us,” he said.

He added that “effective healthcare extends beyond clinical analysis and treatment. It must also include a demonstration of care and compassion”, noting that patients also have a role to play.