WRHA signs diagnostic services deal with Omega
Published:Thursday | September 26, 2024 | 12:09 AMLeon Jackson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Residents in proximity to the Falmouth Hospital and surrounding communities in Trelawny will now have access to diagnostic services thanks to an arrangement that was recently signed between Omega Medical Services and the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA).
According to St Andrade Sinclair, the director the WRHA, the signing of the agreement is a continuing effort to improve the quality of healthcare on offer at Falmouth Hospital.
“The hospital has been having a series of improvements. These include the new walkway and the refurbishing of surgical wards. Now comes this signing. It is a prelude to the hospital getting an MRI for itself. We are determined to continue on the path of improving the quality of healthcare not only in Falmouth but the region on the whole,” said Sinclair.
Elecia Whittingham-Gayle, the manager of customer services and compassionate care (CSCC) at the WRHA, said patients will now have access to services they never had before.
“Under the Enhancing Health Services Delivery Project (EHSDP), the arrangement with Omega reaffirms the Government of Jamaica’s commitment to the abolition of user fees in public health facilities and builds on the previous efforts to reduce wait times for services,” said Whittingham-Gayle. “The arrangement will see diagnostic services on MRI, CT scans, ultrasound, colonoscopy, fluoroscopy and mammogram. This arrangement is significant because, whereas previously a patient needing this service would have to pay, now the cost will be borne by the Ministry of Health in keeping with the National Health Services (fees) Regulations.
“Patients with health cards are expected to present their cards in an effort to offset cost.”
Dr Dolton James, the chief executive officer (CEO) at the Falmouth office of Omega Medical Services, which opened its doors in January 2022, said the signing represents a significant step towards offering better healthcare.
“We are pleased about this signing. This is a significant step forward in improving healthcare access for the community we serve. This partnership between our private system and public health system will enhance patient care by expanding access to essential services,” said James.
Ken Grant, the chairman of the board of management at the Falmouth Hospital, is quite pleased about the arrangement between Omega Medical Services and the WRHA, especially regarding the benefit to the hospital.
“I have been campaigning for the hospital to reach Type B status. Any improvement to the quality of healthcare is a step closer to Type B status and is highly appreciated,” said Grant.
The Falmouth Hospital became the western region’s premier hospital for a protracted period after the Cornwall Regional Hospital was hit with a noxious fumes issue in 2018 and was forced to transfer some of its services to Falmouth.