C.E.O.'s CORNER

I just returned from vacation re-energized and re-invigorated. My time away combined pleasure with a little business such as gathering equipment and supplies. My suitcases get heavier and heavier although I am somewhat hampered by the weight limits.

As some of you know I will be leaving Guyana to return to Buffalo this year. My last day of work will be at the end of November. I am at peace with this decision and have loved every minute of my 8 years at Mercy Hospital living and working with the people of Guyana. I will not be retiring but rather recycling.

I am happy to say we have chosen my replacement Her name is Helen Browman and she will begin employment on August 4, 2008. She is Guyanese with an excellent background in Human Resources having served as the Director of the Human Resource Department in a local large business. Helen is a young, energetic, enthusiastic person who is also a Mercy Associate and committed to the Mercy Mission and Core Values. Both the Board and I think she is a good “fit” We will be working together over the next 4 months so we can plan on a smooth transition.

I was pleasantly surprised upon my return to see the progress made since I left. Our three RNs have returned after a year’s training to become midwives. They have new enthusiasm.

Renovation of phase 2 of the School of Nursing is almost completed. We raised the floor to eliminate the huge flooding problem we had and put up a more permanent divider between the two classrooms. In addition, of course, we had to replace termite and wood ant damage to window frames and sills as well as beams and boards. We are having ceiling fans installed and improving the lighting. It will be simple but more effective and conducive to learning.

Sr. Sheila Walsh, RSM, Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Philip Hofschire, Pediatric Cardiologist, will be returning for 10 days to do follow up and see new pediatric patients. He covers a lot of ground and has help dozens of children each time he visits. We are truly blessed.

This month Mercy Hospital will be participating in the Festival of Flowers at the Cathedral in celebration of Carifesta which will be held in Guyana this year. We will de decorating Our Lady’s Altar and Mrs. Park and her team have very creative ideas.

We are looking forward to the middle of August when we have a bio-med engineer coming to fix our C-Arm which has been out of order ever so long. I would love to find some bio med people to volunteer for a week or two to work with our staff in repairing and servicing various pieces or equipment. They could combine business and vacation in a delightful tropical country. One week work, one week play. Sounds good doesn’t it?

Carifesta promises to be a grand celebration for all the Caribbean Countries and people are working hard to make it an awesome success. There will be music, dancing, competitions, displays and sale of each country’s products and lots of excitement. It will be good for Guyana.
 

We continue to strive to deliver quality patient care and service and the response from our patient questionnaires indicate we are doing a good job thanks to committed doctors and staff. I am grateful to be gifted with each of them.