Help coming for Shannen

Deyalsingh also gave the assurance that steps are also underway to address problems with CT scanners at the Port-of-Spain, San Fernando and Sangre Grande General hospitals.

Referring to yesterday’s lead story in Newsday as he answered questions in the Senate, Deyalsingh declared, “We have contacted the parents with alacrity.” Deyalsingh explained that while no application was made for Shannen to the Children’s Life Fund (CLF), an application was made to the ministry’s Medical Aid Programme in February. He said the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) responded promptly to advise Shannen’s parents that an up to date medical report on Shannen’s condition was necessary. The minister explained that when the initial application was made, it had a “dated, outdated medical report” on Shannen.

However, Deyalsingh revealed, “Last week, we got the up to date medical report.” As he informed senators that Shannen’s family was advised that this report, as well as a social worker’s report were “twin requirements” that were crucial to treating with Shannen’s condition, Deyalsingh said the ministry is currently awaiting the social worker’s report.

He explained the medical report was essential in making a determination, whether an application is made to the CLF or the Medical Aid Programme.

Deyalsingh added that to date, Government has approved 40 applications to the CLF, which is well funded to the tune of $55 million.

He also said there is a maximum funding limit of $1 million under the CLF.

On CT scans, Deyalsingh said the scanner at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital had an internal electrical problem. He said the required part is in Tennesse and is, “being flown to TT tonight.” He said today a bypass will be done to get the scanner operational.

Deyalsingh said by tomorrow, the new part will be installed in the scanner, so it will be fully operational.

On the scanner at the San Fernando General Hospital, Deyalsingh said it required a new tube but the wrong part was shipped. Stating this was “no fault of the RHA,” Deyalsingh said that part was sent back and the correct part will arrive in TT next week. He said the scanner at the Sangre Grande Hospital was inoperable before the People’s National Movement (PNM) assumed office in September 2015.

The minister said requests for proposals have been issued for that scanner.

Deyalsingh said any CT scanners based at the Couva Children and Adult Hospital cannot be used in the interim at any of the three hospitals.

Explaining that such devices at the Couva Hospital are under warranty, the minister stated, “Any attempt to move a CT scanner under warranty, we will void the warranty.” Reminding senators that Government is trying to arrange a public private partnership to operate the Couva Hospital, Deyalsingh said, “Anyone having seen the facility and made an offer, would have made an offer based on equipment that they would have seen.” He said should any equipment be taken from this facility and used elsewhere, it could jeopardise Government’s efforts to get the Couva Hospital operational. The hospital was built under the former People’s Partnership government but never commissioned.