St Helena : St Helena Medical Services’ Review
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Juanita Brock) 10.03.2011 (Article Archived on 28.03.2011)
Leaving the Island on 23rd February 2011 was Derek Muhl who undertook a review of the medical services provided by the Public Health and Social Services Department (PHSSD).
Medical Services’ Review
Leaving the Island on 23rd February 2011 was Derek Muhl who undertook a review of the medical services provided by the Public Health and Social Services Department (PHSSD).
The purpose of the visit was to review medical services and their management, and identify opportunities to improve them – recognising the practical limitations resulting from the Island’s geographical isolation.
Speaking with Derek he said that he has been pleasantly surprised by the services provided on the Island, having identified positive factors such as easy access to the medical services and emergency treatment.
Derek said:
“Given the size of the population and isolation, the community is very fortunate to have such a comprehensive service.”
He found that another area of positivity is the commitment and hard work of the staff that deliver a broad range of health services on St Helena and work flexibly with a good awareness of the need to keep developing these services.
Derek has indicated that problems with the recruitment and retention of key staff are a major difficulty especially given the small number of people on the Island. However PHSSD are currently working on establishing a formal link with an NHS Trust in the UK. One of the aims of this link will be to provide specialist staff for the Department as and when required. A key area in need of development relates to improved systems, policies and the quality of record keeping. A summary of Derek’s report will be made available in due course.
Derek explained that the use of newer technologies will also help on the Island and an area being considered is telemedicine. With this facility Doctors on the Island will be able to talk face to face with specialists in the UK and the specialist would be able to see and talk to the patient.
Derek said:
“All in all, I believe there is much that is positive about the medical service on St Helena, but there is no room for complacency and also much to be done. Hopefully, my visit and subsequent report will be helpful in moving things forward and providing some impetus for further developments.”
Derek Muhl worked for 40 years in the National Health Service, latterly as a Director of Operations. He has also worked as Director of Health Services in the Falkland Islands between 1998 and 2000. In his semi-retirement, he has continued to work for the NHS on a consultancy basis and returned to the Falklands for six months in 2009 in this capacity.
Public Relations/Information Office
Office of the Chief Secretary
24 February 2011
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