SERHA Honours 125 Health Employees

Retired and current employees of the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA), who have contributed significantly to the advancement of health care in the region, were honoured at the Hilton Kingston Hotel on Thursday (July 30).
Of the 125 persons honoured at the function, 97 have retired as of 2008, while 28 are existing staff members.
Speaking at the luncheon, Minister of Health, Hon. Rudyard Spencer, lauded the employees for their years of service and “sterling contribution” to the region and the sector.
“As public servants, you epitomise the true meaning of service by displaying hard work and commitment,” the Minister said, in a message delivered by the Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry, Dr. Sheila Campbell Forrester.
The Minister’s message noted that hospital work often requires working in “stressful situations.”
“They must deal with life-threatening injuries and illnesses complicated by understaffing, tight schedules, paperwork, intricate or malfunctioning equipment, complex hierarchies of authority and skills, dependent and demanding patients; all of these contribute to stress,” he said.
Mr. Spencer commended the workers for the contribution they have made, particularly in such a demanding sector, and lauded them for living up to their obligations, and for going beyond the call of duty in so many instances.
He also noted that the Ministry is working “ardently” to address the issues within the sector, particularly staff shortage and training among others.