A shooting star

The North West Regional Health Authority in its mission of promoting wellness and ensuring quality health care, has seen a vast change under the Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Carrington-Murray. Never has the North West Regional Health Authority been so organised.

This ‘Shooting Star’ has touched every one she passed by and the North West Regional Health Authority will never be the same without her. There is an actual revolution taking place now in health. There is improvement in the quality of life for our citizens. Our patients are having improved health care and services.

This servant of the people has walked the floors of the hospital, morning, evening and night, on Sundays and public holidays to ensure that staff and patients needs are met. She is never too big to be spoken to or too big to take advice. If there is a crisis she is there, if there is celebration, she is there. She has brought the "Mountain to Mohammed" by going out to committees and holding several health fairs. Information was given to the people, empowering them to take charge of their health and make informed decisions.

Mrs Carrington-Murray has brought an awakening in the North West Regional Health Authority, as never seen before. New plants and equipment were obtained, clinic and wards were refurbished and additional services obtained. All efforts were made to address staff shortages to ensure quality health care to our clients. She has shown the true meaning of partnership, networking and team work. We the nurses have learnt a lot from her approach to work, because of her management style. She has full cooperation of both medical and nursing staff. There is always a smile on her face no matter what the situation may be.

She has embraced the problem of HIV/AIDS in the country and ensured information reached all ages. At present, training programmes for managers have been embarked upon to bring about change in attitude towards work and bring about loyalty to the organisation. The nurses at Port-of-Spain General Hospital are energised by her presence. She met with all categories of staff. Her loss to the region will be a step backwards.

BETTY ANN SALOME

Ministry of Health Nurses

Port-of-Spain General Hospital