by JULIA RAWLINS-BENTHAM

Laundry staff at the St Philip District Hospital have been promised that their faulty equipment will be replaced over Government's upcoming financial years.

This assurance came from acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Diana Campbell, speaking during the hospital's recently held awards ceremony at Southern Palms Hotel.

In recent years the hospital's laundry kept breaking down, resulting in staff having to work overtime, or the patients' clothing sent to the Psychiatric Hospital in Black Rock, St Michael, to be dried.

"We are aware of the problems created by the malfunctioning equipment, and I want to assure you that we are not insensitive to the inconvenience being suffered," she said.

She added that efforts were being made to address the problem, but urged the staff to be patient, as a limited amount of funds dictated that the equipment could only be improved incrementally.

"It is not possible therefore to have a one-time purchase of new equipment, but we are seeking to have a replacement "of all old and non-performing equipment over upcoming financial years," Campbell said.

Meanwhile, the hospital, staff and acting Principal Nursing Officer Lolene Rawlins came in for high praises.

Noting that training in the geriatric setting was vital, Campbell gave kudos for the institution's Staff Development Programme which was recently implemented.

"While it is essential to possess the necessary professional acumen for the exercise of the day to day duties, it is desirable to create a culture of learning through which employees become apprised of complementary information which heightens their knowledge and serves ultimately to enhance their overall performance," she said.

Campbell suggested that such a practice be adopted as an ongoing feature for the organisation, and should be given the same attention as in-service training.

She also congratulated the hospital and the Geriatric Hospital for a successful celebration of Senior Citizens' Month in September.

"These activities . . . would have served to highlight the fact that these institutions have evolved from being homes for the indigent to become institutions which offer competent medical care as well as structure programmes for their clients."

Those receiving awards included Lavonne Patrick, Staff Nurse Of The Year; Charles Sergeant, Employee Of The Year and recipient of the Matron's Award; Stacey Rawlins, Nursing Assistant Of The Year ; Vernetta Greaves, Trainee Nursing Assistant Of The Year; Glen Lorde, Male General Worker Of The Year and Kathleen Thompson, Female General Worker Of The Year.

Long-service awards were also received by staff serving between 20 and 38 years. Laundry staff were not left out as they too received a plaque of appreciation for their dedication and extra commitment while the laundry was not functioning.