Staff of NERHA Lauded for Service

Regional Director of the North East Regional Health Authority (NERHA), Suzette Morris, has lauded the staff for the quality health care they provide for residents in the region, and the commitment shown in times of emergency.

Addressing a staff awards and fund-raising dinner, at the RIU Hotel in Mammee Bay, St. Ann, on April 27, she said that health institutions in the region had to respond to increased emergencies during 2012, including Hurricane Sandy, and the staff demonstrated commitment to service under pressure.

The Director also commended regular donors who, in recent years, “have contributed some $500 million to the work in the Region.”

“Our esteemed partners were unwavering in their benevolence, ensuring that we were provided with critical services, equipment and building infrastructure throughout 2012,” Ms. Morris said.

The Region, in 2012, won the Jamaica Association of Public Health Inspectors (JAPHI) National Award; JAPHI’s Food Safety Officer of the Year award; Civil Servant of the Year award; first place in the Ministry of Health National Immunization Coverage, and National Disease Surveillance and Reporting; and recognition for outstanding performance in establishing and maintaining an HIV treatment site.

Meanwhile, Chairman of NERHA, Leon Gordon, said the workers have shown love in carrying out their duties.

“As health professionals, you have not only said it, you have demonstrated health and love for neighbour, and that have taken you to the attainment of excellence. You have had potential combined with application, and that makes you excellent leaders. This is a good lesson for others,” Mr. Gordon told the gathering.

Responding on behalf of the staff, Director of Nursing at the Port Maria Hospital, Linda Sutherland-Hines, said people thrive in an environment where appreciation for service is highly recognized.

“I take great pride on behalf of the awardees to thank the Board, all Managers, and members of staff employed to NERHA for allowing us to be as creative as we could be, to apply innovations, to use initiative to make decisions, to mentor, and formulate and apply resourcefulness,” she said.

By Garfield L. Angus, JIS Reporter