Teacher to get hip-replacement surgery after funding hiccup
Published:Friday | November 15, 2024 | 12:10 AMSashana Small/Staff Reporter
Although relieved that his wife’s hip replacement surgery is now imminent, St Catherine-based teacher Christopher Kelly also feels some frustration that her situation only gained attention after it was reported in the media.
“It shouldn’t have gotten to this,” Kelly said. “The ministry needs to improve communication with the public. You cannot get anyone whenever you call the office number. They don’t call to give you any updates or even to find out if things are okay.”
Last week, The Gleaner reported on Kelly’s desperate situation after a medical supplier refused to accept a commitment letter from the Ministry of Health and Wellness to pay for the apparatus needed for his wife’s critical surgery.
The supplier cited unpaid debts from the ministry as the reason for the refusal.
Kelly’s wife, who is also a teacher, was involved in a car accident two years ago. Unable to work since the life-changing injury, she has also lost her job.
He said they sought help from the Compassionate Fund Unit of the Ministry of Health and Wellness to cover the $876,415 cost for the implant needed for the surgery.
Although they received approval for the funding in July, the process was delayed when two medical-supply companies rejected the letter.
Errol Greene, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, subsequently told The Gleaner last week that the Compassionate Fund Unit has nearly $400 million in outstanding payments, and that it is being restructured.
Kelly said he has since received a new commitment letter from the health ministry for another medical supplier, which has been approved.
He is looking forward to a successful surgery.
“We are feeling very happy. The article has really pushed the ministry to take another look at the matter, and I am very comfortable at the moment as to where it reach,” he said. “The family has really felt as if we are going somewhere now. I think a heavy load has been lifted off our head,” he said.