By LARA PICKFORD-GORDON Friday, August 7 2009

While there is yet no word on the outcome of police investigations into the death of psychiatric patient Allan Warner, Chief Executive Officer of the North-West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA), Agatha Carrington, yesterday said the authority would be implementing close-circuit cameras in high risk areas of the St Ann’s Psychiatric Hospital.

Speaking to the media, Carrington said the investigation into Warner’s death was engaging the attention of the police, and the NWRHA was cooperating.

When asked what changes had been made in the system, she said “we are presently doing an audit, looking at our clinical management to see areas where there are gaps with a view to improving.”

She said CCTV were installed in some areas of St Ann’s and the NWRHA would see what areas it could be extended.

At a ceremony at the NWRHA’s Learning Resource Centre, St James a symbolic presentation was made to signify letters of permanent appointment to 175 nurses and nursing assistants from various institutions.

Devati Mooleedhar, NWRHA Board member said the move signalled the NWHRA’s commitment to its human resource capability, but it was also taking the necessary steps to attract and retain staff.

She told the nurses that they played a pivotal part in health, and without them there would be no institution and one to take care of patients. With the shortage of medical personnel being a worldwide problem, Mooleedhar said the NWRHA was making a tremendous effort to prevent the haemorrhaging of its workers. “We are saying to you we need you and we want you to stay with us,” she emphasised. Her view was echoed by Board member, Ian Thomas, who assured that the authority was working to respond to the challenges in the system. He stressed the importance of the nurses’ performing at their best in delivering care to patients. Thomas said no amount of planning and fancy buildings could take away from the duty nurses performed as they brought their skills and competencies to patients.

During the ceremony, promotions were announced. Elizabeth Powder is now the Nursing Administrator II for the Port-of-Spain General Hospital, and Carrington said she expected the “look and feel” of nursing care to change. Carrington said the NWRHA was interested in improving mental health and wellness for the population, and changes were being made in the model of care being used. She said a new “look” was needed by someone with new insight. She said Norma Harewood-Clarke was selected as Nursing Administrator II for St Ann’s, and with her experience and training improvements would be made.

Monica Williams, Ag Nursing Administrator was given the responsibility for health promotion and disease prevention in mental health. Seven other senior nurses were promoted to nursing supervisors, and 40 others to head nurses.