Mark Wignall | Transformation in patient care needed now

The doctor wears on her sleeves her need to see and experience the sort of cultural transformation needed at the The University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) “... it [UHWI] must remain steadfast in its commitment to improving patient care, which should always be its top priority.”

In the wake of the current scandal, the UHWI has faced significant scrutiny, especially from some of the very individuals who are resistant to the changes that would ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability in healthcare delivery. With worry lines briefly showing up on her forehead, she asked, “Why are there still voices within the institution opposing these much-needed reforms?”

She spoke of a “... small group of doctors who were even opposed to the idea of a digital central system for patient record access. This reluctance to adopt modern solutions is emblematic of a mindset that, unfortunately, mirrors a colonial era of healthcare where outdated practices hold sway over patient-centric progress.”

The doctor and her 50-year-old colleague reflected impatience. He said, “I am aware of a particular former doctor who has been banned from operating or working at UWI Hospital as well as any other hospitals and clinics due to his outbursts, questionable mental state, misdiagnoses, etc.”

I stared at them in surprise, individually, then almost as one. They consulted their notes “Sometimes individuals like that hold sway for too long. We don’t need someone like that in our healthcare system. When he had power, there were reports of him excessively overcharging patients and performing surgeries on premises where he was not authorised to. Madness!

“But let us get back to the main concerns at hand.”

VISION LAID OUT

At the heart of the issue is the vision laid out by the UWI Hospital recently. It emphasised the need for improved patient care, modernised operations, and accountability at all stages. As we focus on enhancing the doctor-patient relationship, it is crucial to recognize that patient care is not merely about treating ailments. Itis about ensuring that every individual who walks through the doors of the UHWI receives compassionate, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, timely and high-quality care.

There are still going to be systemic problems. Just about each person showing up for an appointment will have 8:30 a.m. Think about it. Quite probably a significant shade over 120 patients all have one time on their cards. Where is the reasonable fix? If there is a fix, it is our duty to find it.

She continued, “As healthcare professionals, we must ask ourselves: When did caring for the patient stop being our highest priority? Shouldn’t any efforts to improve patient care take precedence over personal preferences or the fear of change?

“Leadership at UWI Hospital has to be built on principles of integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to patient care. Yes, patient care and not what some doctor with his eyes and his intentions rooted in the past decides is his path to glory.

“To those doctors or officials who resist these changes, we must ask: Do you stand with the patient, or do you stand with the past? If patient- care isn’t your top priority, perhaps this isn’t the profession for you.”

We sat and pored over notes that the healthcare professionals had put together. “UHWI’s mission seems quite clear to us: to improve patient care, streamline operations, and embrace the future. It’s time for everyone involved to take a hard look at their actions and ask themselves whether they are part of the solution or part of the problem.

“This is not poetry. This is just fact. The time for change is now. It is time to prioritise patients, and those who cannot align with this vision must reconsider their place in this evolving healthcare landscape.”

TRUMP SWITCHING GEARS

My immigration lawyer friend in Florida wrote, “Yesterday I wrote to you about the National Governors Association meeting in DC. Of course, with Trump not wanting to invite the Democratic Governor from Maryland who is black.

“Trump’s press secretary strongly defended the President on this. Lo and behold by the end of the day on February 11 Trump changed tune after all other Governors stated they would not come if any governor was excluded. Another distraction. All the while, he and his family are making huge deals with the Saudis and becoming obscenely rich. “

Trump operates at his best when he is despised and underestimated and taken for a buffoon. He is devious, manipulative, and cunning and he doesn’t care what we make of him. If America wants to be rid of him, it had better wake up and deal with him in a very strategic and smart way.

The Epstein saga is not going away, so he needs a distraction. Tariffs are not working out, so he needs a distraction. The SAVE America Act regarding proof of US citizenship to vote is not working out, so he needs a distraction.

Treat him as a serious adversary.

Mark Wignall is a political and public affairs analyst. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and mawigsr@gmail.com.