Health Ministry expands Family Care Giver Programme to Spanish Town Hospital

The Health and Wellness Ministry has expanded the Family Care Giver Programme to the Spanish Town Hospital, in St. Catherine.

This is another major step in the commitment to delivering compassionate, patient and family centred health care across the public health system.

The programme, which was first piloted at the Bustamante Hospital for Children earlier this year, formally integrates family members into the care environment, recognising the important role that care givers play in supporting the recovery and overall well being of patients during hospitalisation.

Speaking at the official launch, Minister of Health, Dr. Christopher Tufton, said the initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships between health care professionals and families.

The Minister said that the Family Care Giver Programme recognises that while health care professionals provide expert clinical care, families provide comfort, reassurance and emotional support, that are equally important to a patient’s recovery.

Since the introduction of the pilot programme, over 1,000 care givers have been enrolled, providing support to over 700 patients.

Care givers have reported feeling more confident and better equipped to care for their loved ones while expressing appreciation for being recognised as active partners in the care process.

Health care workers have reported improved communication with care givers, stronger collaboration in patient care, increased family participation and fewer complaints, contributing to higher levels of satisfaction with the patient experience.

Dr. Tufton noted that the intention is to further expand the programme to another 6 hospitals.

The Health Minister reiterated that emphasis is also being placed on staff welfare.