Health conference to focus on patient centred care

| 26/06/2012

carry~on~doctor~2_0.jpg(CNS): Cayman’s third annual free National Health Conference has been set for October 18-20 at the Ritz Carlton and will focus on “Patient-Centred Care:  Achieving Quality Outcomes". Officials said that the conference is not just for professionals and experts in the field but for everyone and urged the public to attend and seize the opportunity to participate in defining the health policies that will affect them and generations to come. HSA Director Lizzette Yearwood said a patient-centred approach was integral to the new objectives laid out by the Boardof the Health Services Authority.

“The HSA was proud to report that the 2012 survey resulted in 85% of respondents rating services received at the HSA as good or excellent,” she said.

Speaking at a press conference announcing the dates of the event, Health Minister Mark Scotland said expectations were high as each annual conference helped move Cayman that much closer to the vision of optimal health and wellbeing for all. He encouraged the medical community, the business community, stakeholders, patients and individuals to attend.

“Once more, we are expecting an impressive lineup of speakers. This list includes Barbara Ficarra, an award-winning journalist, medical blogger, media trainer and health expert. She is the creator, executive producer and host of the 'Health in 30' radio show and writes for the Huffington Post,” he said.

Also presenting is Cynthia Hastings-James, co-founder of Cookson James Loyalty, whose mission is to help evolve consumer health behaviour and thus change the face of healthcare in Canada. As more speakers and topics are confirmed, officials said, further announcements would be made.

A new feature has been added to the event where participants will be able to work together looking for solutions to specific health care issues. Working groups will be set up to address three key areas of healthcare — paediatric health, oncology and corporate wellness — ahead of the conference. These groups will then make presentations at a two-hour moderated breakout sessions on the second day and delegates will be invited to offer feedback. The group leaders will also be scheduled to address two sessions for the conference as a whole.

“We are excited about the possibilities of the new break-out session format and look forward to hearing the results from these brain trusts,” Scotland added.  

It was also announced that sponsorship packages have been revised this year, offering more variety and options for potential sponsors.  Package details can be found on the website at www.healthcareconference.ky.

Last year, the conference was underwritten by local and international sponsors. The ministry is once again hopeful for the same in 2012 as this allows them to host the event at little cost to the ministry and offer it free of cost to every single resident of the Cayman Islands.

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  1. Anonymous says:

    If a healthcare organisation uses the word "quality" in their advertising or promotions and they do not subscribe to a formal quality systems process — ISO, JCI, etc., they have no idea what the word quality means.  True patient centred care is not achieved through good intentions, it can only be achieved through adherence to a formal quality systems process.

    • anon says:

      Execellent point! None of the healthcare organizations on island are accredited. When Dr. Shetty opens his, it should be.. no, it has to be in order to successfully attract the clients/patients he's after.
      Hopefully, the organizers will see your post and take it into consideration. Otherwise, it'll just be another conference exchanging good intentions, and patting themselves on the back.

  2. Anonymous says:

    CNS: Where did you get that photo? Could be Florence Nightingale!

    • Anonymous says:

      It's from the UK film "Carry on Doctor" from 1967. The nurse is Hattie Jacques, the doctor Kenneth Williams and the patient Frankie Howerd.

  3. my my says:

    and why is this being held at the Ritz? I doubt that the venue is donated, so with our strapped finances, could not this be held at a regular hotel? 

    • anonymous says:

      Based on previous years the turn out should be fairly large, and the Ritz is able to accomodate such a size. The event will be sponsored.

  4. Dr. Feelgood says:

    Patient-centred care – cutting edge – what other kind of care is there?

    Other papers being delivered will include:

    "Breathing – it is good for you"

    "Ignoring patients – a bad thing"

    "Titles for conferences – stating the obvious is a good choice"

    • anon says:

      Well, there's 'profit-oriented care.' That happens when private physicians send their patients to the H.S.A. because they've exhausted their health insurance. And then the H.S.A. is still tasked and expected to do well financially.