Health conference to breakout on leading issues

(CNS): Oncology, paediatric health and workplace wellness will be the focus of breakout sessions planned for the second day of the 3rd annual 20/20 National Healthcare Conference next month. The three topics are considered of particular importance to healthcare here in the Cayman Islands and the sessions will feature panellists from our local public and private sector, overseas specialists and the patient’s perspective, giving what was described by conference officials as “a multifaceted view” to each of the health areas.  Jennifer Ahearn, Chief Officer in the Ministry of Health said the topics were chosen based on feedback received from local medical professionals in the public and private sector. 

“Healthcare professionals targeted these three areas in particular as vital elements of Cayman’s medical system in need of enhancement and progression,” she added.

Ed Hansen, the CEO at Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital, Cayman’s only private hospital, will be leading the group in the oncology (cancer care) breakout sessions. “I am very excited to be participating in this new area of the conference,” he said. 

“The panellists are of the highest calibre and will be able to bring input from public, private and international perspectives, resulting in a true 360 review of the state of oncology in the Cayman Islands and recommendations for a way forward.”

Meanwhile, Rebekah Brooks, the immediate past President of the Cayman Islands Nurses Association and a registered nurse and Practice Manager at the Children’s Clinic will be leading the group on paediatric health.  “Each group will report back on the final day of the conference with an in-depth analysis to present to the Ministry, thereby providing Government with invaluable information that can supplement Cayman’s national health policy,” she said.

The third breakoutsession which will discuss workplace wellness will be led by Annikki Brown the Deputy Chair of the Health Insurance Standing Committee. Brown said she anticipated that these breakout sessions will provide the Ministry and also conference attendees to the sessions with invaluable understanding on the subject matter. “We really are looking at the topics from every angle to ensure that we cover every aspect of the issue. We are looking forward to some lively discussion and real insight into how each area of healthcare can be improved and enhanced,” she added

Panellists for the oncology session include Milena Connolly (of the Cayman Islands Cancer Registry), Dr Joel Slutsky (Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital), Dr Thin Tran (Baptist Corporate Medical Director), Dr Sook Yin and Connie Godet (representing a patient’s perspective).

Emma Donaldson (Special Needs Foundation of Cayman), Dr James Robertson (Trincay) and Shannon Seymour (Wellness Centre) will participate in the paediatric health session and Colleen Brummer (Energy Pilates), Cynthia Hastings-James (Co-founder of Cookson James Loyalty Inc & Bestliferewarded.com) and Dr Richard Buck, an independent organisational and healthcare strategist will sit on the workplace wellness session.

This year’s conference subject is ‘Patient-Centred Care: Achieving Quality Outcomes’.  Patient –Centred Care is a model of healthcare delivery that focuses on the patient’s experience and is a partnership between practitioners, patients, and their families to ensure that healthcare decisions respect patients’ values, needs, and preferences and that the patient has  the education and support they require to make informed decisions and participate in their own care.

The public is encouraged to attend the conference which will provide a forum for discussion about and insight into Cayman’s healthcare service with a view to enhancing and improving the system to benefit all residents in the years to come.  As in previous years, this conference will be free to all attendees.  Registration is now open at www.healthcareconference.ky.