CRH’s Harvey hailed for dedication and commitment

Western Bureau:

Dr Derek Harvey, who recently retired after serving the local health sector for 39 years, which includes his 34-year engagement at the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH), was hailed for his unwavering dedication and commitment at a tribute-filled retirement banquet in his honour in Montego Bay last Friday night.

Harvey, who was the senior medical officer (SMO) at the CRH until his retirement, which took effect on July 26, was showered with accolades from the likes of Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton; Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie; and many of his colleagues aligned to the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA).

Against the backdrop of praises in both words and song at the Catolonia Resort Montego Bay (former Holiday Inn), former police chaplain, the Reverend Courtney Walters, who was the guest speaker, was glowing in his description of Harvey’s contribution to the health sector, referring to him as “a man of gravitas”.

Walters also spoke to Harvey’s community outreach work, which included his voluntary contribution to the St John Methodist Church clinic and his work at other clinics in the parish as well as his role in providing medical support to various heads of state and dignitaries visiting western Jamaica.

Harvey, a past student of Rusea’s High School in Hanover, whose qualifications read MBBS, FRCA, FFA, joined the staff at the CRH in 1986, working as junior registrar in general surgery, orthopaedics and ear, nose, and throat.

After working two years in the Anaesthesia Department at the CRH and the Bustamante Hospital for Children, Harvey went to Great Britain, where he pursued post- graduate specialist training in anaesthesia – FRCA, FFA.

Harvey returned to the CRH in 1998 as senior registrar in anaesthesia and was quickly promoted to consultant anaesthetist and then head of the department. In 2016, Harvey became the senior medical officer (SMO) and was at the forefront of the drive to keep the hospital viable amid the 2017 noxious-fumes issues, which all but shut down all its services.

Versatility and commitment

In a citation, which was read by Dr Delroy Fray, the clinical coordinator at the WRHA, Harvey’s enviable contribution was broken down into various stages that showed his versatility and commitment to service.

“Dr Harvey has kindled the ­flame of many young physicians through mentorship. It is no wonder he was given the responsibility of orienting new interns. His approach was very hands on, and he would even walk some to the bank to open their bank accounts. He also had the unique ability to transform weak and poor-attitude doctors into great professionals. He was instrumental in encouraging and supporting numerous doctors into anaesthesia training, and the current department is evidence of his legacy here,” a section of the citation read.

Tufton, in his tribute to Harvey, hinted that he has recommended that the retired SMO be re-engaged at the CRH as his knowledge and expertise are still needed, especially in relation to the ongoing restoration of the facility.

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