President Savarin spreads Christmas cheer

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The president shares a moment with family and their new baby

Patients at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) were graced with a visit by the President of Dominica, His Excellency Charles Savarin, his wife and other dignitaries during his yearly Christmas tour on Wednesday.

The event is a tradition that has become an annual highlight during the Christmas season.

The president visited the Maternity Unit, Winston Ward, Dawbiney Ward, Alford Ward, Imray Ward, Glover Ward and the Psychiatric Unit.

Speaking at a ceremony at the old APU Building, President Savarin said the visits offered him an opportunity to interact with the patients and the country’s healthcare workforce and “to extend Christmas greetings to you and to all Dominicans at home and abroad.”

“As Christmas draws near and 2014 comes to a close, I wish to thank and acknowledge the hard working and dedicated healthcare workforce here at the Princess Margaret Hospital and island-wide for their continued efforts in 2014 in caring for the health of the people of our fair country,” he said.

Savarin urged citizens to put aside political differences and work together in order to move Dominica forward.

“Now that the election campaign is over and the people have elected a government of their choice, it is most important for us to put aside whatever political differences that may exist,” he stated. “The challenge now is for us to come together as one to build upon the foundation we have made and to work our ways through the economic and financial hurdles…”

The President noted further that there should be absolute trust between the people and healthcare workers “as the very lives of the people are entrusted into your care.”

“We should be encouraged and motivated by tremendous strides we have made over the years in the healthcare sector, particularly in healthcare delivery and the strides that we have made in the care for the elderly in the hospital, in the community through various institutions and at their homes through the Yes We Care Program,” he stated.

Meanwhile, newly sworn in Minister for Health and Environment, Dr. Kenneth Darroux said, it is a challenging and exciting time for the health sector, “as we continue to attempt to deliver quality, modern and comprehensive health product to our citizens right here in Dominica.”

According to Dr. Darroux, within the past twelve months the PMH would have received and installed a number of significant medical equipment to the tune of EC$2.2
Million.

“This modern equipment continues to enhance the provision of quality secondary healthcare to our populace,” he stated.

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20 Comments

  1. ICU
    December 20, 2014

    Hmmmm christmas cheer. Not with that ole speaker you want to rackatack my pulse rate with. Think again or else, i will pull your legs from down yonder for the next hunting season.

  2. U.W.P,FOR LIFE
    December 20, 2014

    YES IT SHOULD BE RE NAMED ROOSVELT SKERRIT BECAUSE IT’S THAT BAD

  3. RASTAFARILEADSTHEWAY
    December 19, 2014

    That padna sitting der thinking… I supposed to be at work today… i call in sick, my side ting get pregnant n now Savrain putting all my business out there!

  4. MissB
    December 19, 2014

    Oh boy….Did you see the look on some of these patients faces….” I don’t want to talk to you!” faces….WAW! :-| :-?

  5. privacy
    December 18, 2014

    Some of the patients seem uncomfortable. Maybe patients’ permission should be first sought to participate in the President’s visits, if this is not already the case.

  6. Positively Dominican
    December 18, 2014

    I am appalled that the President of Dominica., moving from ward to ward shaking the hands of patients without using the alcohol gel between patients, and guess what? a nurse is right there observing the encounter.

    No one status is to great to use the alcohol gel. Infection prevention and control must be at the top of the agenda, and must be everyone’s responsibility. I am shocked by what I’m seeing. INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL IS OUT OF THE WINDOW!!

    • faceup
      December 18, 2014

      This is Dominica for you, a third world country with third world mentality, that’s why I dread that forsaken hospital, all I can do is pray for them, sad!

    • cudos
      December 18, 2014

      And you were able to see that in those pictures? Boy we smart eh!

    • The Fact
      December 19, 2014

      You may have a point. However, did he just come from his residence? Is he being driven or did he drive to the hospital? These are to be taken into consideration.
      Dominica does not have Ebola or Sars or other infectious diseases. Be thankful for that.
      Do you know that those same bottles of disinfectant could contain disease because many people use them?
      Since Sars, the Church I attend has one in the lobby. I never use it. Whenever I leave to go to Church (or anywhere else), I always cream my hands. There are other places which have them. I also never use them. Too many people could touch them. I need not state that some people do not practice general hygiene. Therefore, you should not expect the President or the PM or other dignitaries to use them unless their hands get dirty. Even then, some sort of hand cleanser or water will be given to them to wash and cream their hands. You must utilize your common sense.

    • Grand bay i from we
      December 19, 2014

      Please! How do u know whether he did. Could’nt u see it as a good gesture to visit the patients
      Way Papa!

    • WeNiceMan
      December 20, 2014

      I am assuming you were at the hospital during the President’s visit.

      Otherwise…HOW THE HELL DO YOU KNOW THAT HE DID OR DID NOT!?

  7. faceup
    December 18, 2014

    OMG! that hospital looks so ancient, if that big tank of oxygen happen to fall on me it would kill me again. I don’t see no emergency equipment at the head of the bed, someone pum or shit next to me I would smell it, someone dying next to me I would see that…Lord please don’t let me be sick in that hospital it would be a nightmare !

    • The Fact
      December 19, 2014

      Some of you are very good at scrutinizing pictures. Is this not something? I did not particularly observe what you observed. Your mind was working overtime. It appears you look for flaws.
      Live a godly life and be kind to others that your wishes may be granted.

    • Grand bay i from we
      December 19, 2014

      That the reason they are going to build one,,,If u were here this would b ur hospital
      Thanks u migrated

    • Think About It
      December 19, 2014

      @ faceup….Thanks for a good laugh you are hilarious. I laugh so hard my stomach ache Happy Holidays to you and yours.

    • December 21, 2014

      @faceup December 18, 2014

      You are an example of the mind plagued in darkness. The Facts is right; I looked for all of those faults that you mentioned and did not see one of them–but you are the one who will know those nightmares because it is the product of your mind. Is there any way that you people can stop with the negativity of darkness and to allow the Light to shine in your mind? This Light is from God, you know!

  8. out of south city
    December 18, 2014

    The hospital should be re-named.

    • amy
      December 18, 2014

      Yes it’s name should be Roosevelt skerrit hospital

      • MissB
        December 19, 2014

        lol :-D seriously.. Now there is something useful DNO. A comment is a comment

    • The Fact
      December 19, 2014

      The hospital was a gift and named after – in honor of Princess Margaret. PMH, I think it is a nice name. I state, it should not be renamed. Even though D/ca is no longer a sovereign country, let it be. I think it would be rude and inconsiderate to rename it.
      When it was built, Dominicans were happy to have a new hospital compared to the one which was in Roseau. Be appreciative.

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