The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT - Governor-General Sir Arthur Foulkes was in Grand Bahama for his annual Christmas visit and tour of the Rand Memorial Hospital.

Sir Arthur and his wife, Lady Joan Foulkes, visited patients and viewed the first mini-ambulance acquired to respond to minor incidents that happen within the Freeport area.

Every year, the head of state visits the medical facility in Freeport. This is the 15th year.

“This year, like every other year, has had its challenges but it has also had its blessings.

“We were fortunate to have celebrated the 40th anniversary of our country as an independent state among the nations of the world.

“We are also blessed t his year in that we passed through an entire hurricane season with not even the threat of a storm coming our way,” he said.

Sir Arthur extended deepest sympathy to the Filipino workers within the Grand Bahama Health Services, whose country “suffered one of the most catastrophic typhoons in living memory, with great loss of life and vast damage.”

During his address, he noted that significant progress has been made in the delivery of health care in the northern Bahamas.

He then thanked administrators, health care givers, and service providers for the care they have provided to patients.

The Governor General expressed concern about the increase in non-communicable diseases.

He particularly noted that there has been an alarming rise in the incidence of cancer, and an escalation in diabetes in the last two years on Grand Bahama.

“I encourage all health care workers to be relentless in your pursuit of knowledge and acquisition of skills to manage all manner of diseases. Your community needs you, your country needs you,” Sir Arthur said.

Mr Foulkes commended hospital staff for launch of the Safe Baby initiative in July 2012.

He commended the Royal Bahamas Police Force and corporate partners who have supported the programme to save new lives.

He noted that completion of training in mental health for 30 health care providers at the Rand will result in further improvements in nursing care.

Sir Arthur thanked all adult and student volunteers who continue to play a pivotal role in complementing the hospital staff.

He also commended 13 persons who retired after many years in the public service.