Family Caregiver Programme expanded to Spanish Town Hospital

The Ministry of Health and Wellness officially introduced its Family Caregiver Programme at Spanish Town Hospital on Wednesday, widening access to family support for people receiving treatment at the facility.

The initiative enables registered relatives to participate in caring for patients during their hospital stay. It was first launched at the Bustamante Hospital for Children earlier this year.

At the Spanish Town launch, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton highlighted the different but complementary roles of medical staff and relatives. "While health care professionals provide expert clinical care, families provide reassurance," he said.

Tufton said participating relatives could also develop a clearer understanding of how hospitals operate. He noted that caregivers would see why medical teams, who are responsible for numerous patients, must attend to the most urgent cases first. He suggested that this experience could help families explain those clinical priorities within their communities and reduce perceptions that doctors or nurses are being deliberately unhelpful.

Figures from the pilot show that 1,053 caregivers have assisted 737 patients. Participating caregivers have reported feeling more assured and better equipped to look after their relatives.

The minister described the programme as highly beneficial for clinicians, hospital administrators, patients and their families. He said it had brought the different groups together around treatment, therapy and the recovery of people who were unwell.

The ministry also reported better communication between health workers and relatives. Before the programme, complaints included limited visiting periods, families being uncertain about the condition of loved ones and concerns that they were not receiving enough information. Those difficulties sometimes produced strained relations between service providers and the families seeking care for relatives.

The Family Caregiver Programme is expected to be introduced at additional public health facilities as the ministry works to promote healthcare that is compassionate and centred on patients and their families.