St Helena : GOVERNOR CAPES HELPS HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE AND ST HELENA PRISON
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Public Relations Information Office) 20.10.2012 (Article Archived on 03.11.2012)
His Excellency Governor Capes has supported improvements at the Challenging Behaviour Unit, Barnview House and at HM Prison by using his delegated funds from the FCO to purchase some much needed equipment.
GOVERNOR CAPES HELPS HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE AND ST HELENA PRISON
His Excellency Governor Capes has supported improvements at the Challenging Behaviour Unit, Barnview House and at HM Prison by using his delegated funds from the FCO to purchase some much needed equipment.
Challenging Behavioural Unit and Barnview House
During a visit by the Governor and Mrs Capes to the Challenging Behaviour Unit and Barnview House they were greatly impressed by the care given to people with mild, moderate and severe learning disabilities and asked Community Nursing Officer, Shirley Anderson if there was anything the staff needed to help them to care for their clients. Shirley mentioned that several aids were urgently needed, including a special ‘clip pushchair’ for a client cared for at home who could not be taken outside because a regular wheelchair was not suitable. A clip pushchair is adjustable and specially designed for an adult person with significant disabilities. The client can now be taken outside to enjoy the sunshine and the company of others.
At present the Challenging Behavioural Unit has five clients and two respite beds for weekends, and Barnview is home to seven clients, also with two respite beds for weekends.
Among other aids purchased were special back wedges to help people with severe cerebral palsy to sit upright comfortably; and coccyx support cushions designed to relieve pressure on vulnerable areas of the body when someone is sitting upright for long periods. The total cost of the equipment was just over £1800.
Community Nursing Officer, Shirley Anderson commented:
“This was a very valuable contribution made from the Governor’s Fund, as the aids and appliances are expensive. Our aim is to provide as comfortable and as pain free an experience for all of our most vulnerable people and any contribution of this nature is greatly appreciated.
“I liked the positive attitude of the Governor and Mrs Capes and their reaction to people with difficulties. After their visit everything happened quickly and we soon received the valued equipment which helps staff to deliver care more efficiently.
“On behalf of all at Learning Disabilities I would like to say a big thank you to the Governor and Mrs Capes and all who made this contribution possible.”
St Helena Prison Service
Following a visit by the Governor to HM Prison, the St Helena Prison Service also received a contribution of just over £1200 from the Governor’s Delegated Fund. This was used to equip the prison with medical equipment to enable doctors to undertake routine checks at the prison instead of inmates being required to attend the hospital.
The correct equipment was sourced on the advice of the Acute Community Health Manager and was purchased through the hospital. A room in the prison was made available to accommodate visits by doctors and a special medical cupboard was also purchased to store the equipment.
Superintendant of Gaols, Nicky Crowie said:
“The funding and purchase of medical equipment is very much welcomed by the Prison Service and has made it easier for inmates to receive routine health checks and we thank the Governor. We would also like to thank the Health & Social Welfare Directorate for sourcing the equipment and for advice on improving the medical service within the Prison.”
Acute Community Health Manager, Wendy Henry added:
“It is always good to improve the way we work in partnership with stakeholders and service users. The provision of a medical room and basic medical equipment at the prison has enhanced the service doctors can provide to prisoners on site and allows more flexibility between the two directorates’.
Governor Capes said:
“A society can be measured by the way it cares for the less fortunate and especially for those with disabilities. St Helena has a good record on that front and we must ensure that we continue to provide an adequate level of care. One cannot fail to be impressed by the work of Shirley Anderson and her colleagues. I’m glad that I was able to play a small part in supporting their valuable work by using my delegated funds to help improve the quality of life for their clients and to help Shirley and her colleagues to provide care more easily.
“By funding the purchase of some medical equipment I was also pleased to be able to assist the Prison Service to provide medical checks at HM Prison. This makes it easier for doctors to provide basic care to prisoners and improves efficiency by removing the need for Prison Officers to escort prisoners to the hospital.”
SHG
18 October 2012
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