Diabetes, Hypertension Top Health Concerns Affecting Westmoreland in 2007

Data collated by the Westmoreland Health Services, reveal that diabetes and hypertension topped the list of health disorders that affected residents during 2007, Medical Officer of Health (MoH) for the parish, Dr. Dianne Campbell-Stennett has disclosed.
Speaking at the annual review of the Health Services’ operations at the Sean Lavery Faith Centre in Savanna-la-mar recently, Dr. Campbell-Stennett said that other medical conditions figuring were: skin, respiratory, urinary, optical, and psychiatric disorders, as well as gastroenteritis, accidents, and leg ulcers.
Noting an increase in the number of persons accessing health facilities throughout the parish, the Medical Officer said that the majority of these visits were for curative services, with dental services accounting for the remainder.
Westmoreland, with a population of 140,000 residents, is divided into five health districts, each served by a Type 3 health centre. The services available at these facilities are augmented by those provided at the parish’s sole hospital in the capital – Savanna-la-mar.
Addressing other aspects of healthcare, Dr. Campbell-Stennett said that during the period under review, the Health Services took steps to ensure the delivery of potable water to residents across the parish. She explained that bacteriological analyses, particularly on minor supplies, supported by advocacy for improvement of same, were undertaken to ensure that the amenity was safe for usage.
She, however, voiced concern over the status of food safety, due mainly to what she described as reluctance on the part of some operators of food establishments, to either apply or re-apply for health certificates.
In light of this, Dr. Campbell-Stennett, said the Health Services, despite their limited staff, was monitoring the situation, and has been issuing enforcement orders where necessary.