Topic: Health Services Authority
Extradition case adjourned, defendant in hospital
A woman wanted in Hawaii on criminal charges did not appear in Cayman’s Summary Court on Thursday because she was in the hospital, Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryll Richards said.
Cayman pharmacist honored at regional conference
Cayman Islands Hospital pharmacist Samantha Conolly was honored in Belize last month for her volunteer work to advance the pharmacy profession and her dedication to the field.
HSA short $21 million cash, writes off millions in debt
The Cayman Islands public health authority has failed to maintain legally required cash reserves for at least the last five years, while at the same time writing off millions in unpaid patient debts, according to auditors.
Milestone surgery performed at local hospital
Three-week-old Sariah Miller underwent laparoscopic surgery, also known as “keyhole” surgery, at the Cayman Islands Hospital last month in the first operation of its kind at the hospital involving a newborn.
Lawmakers skeptical of CarePay ‘fixes’
Efforts to prevent a reoccurrence of bureaucratic bungles that led Cayman Islands taxpayers to spend US$1.8 million for nothing during the CarePay contract debacle drew skepticism from lawmakers who noted there had been little accountability in the wake of the disastrous deal’s end.
FDA issues recall for brands Major, Rugby and Leader
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a precautionary, worldwide recall of liquid products under the brand names Major, Rugby and Leader due to possible bacterial contamination. Anyone who has these products is advised to stop using them immediately.
Mental health court helps ‘clients’ avoid incarceration
The man in the North Side park used to think the community nurse was “Becky from the Planning Department,” happily retaining the delusion despite her perennial questions about his stability.
Acute care clinic opens at public hospital
A new acute care clinic has opened at the Cayman Islands Hospital for patients with urgent but non-emergency medical conditions. The unit will offer walk-in appointments from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday and is aimed at patients with everyday illnesses and injuries.
Hospital plans for patient overload
The Cayman Islands public healthcare system is bracing for rapidly increased demand over the next 20 years as chronic health problems in the islands get worse and aging health facilities become outdated.
New books, DVDs donated to George Town Library
Dr. David A. Chernin, a dental specialist and author, has donated a new set of books and DVDs to the George Town Library. Library staff are working to have all the materials on the shelves within the next few weeks.
New challenge to hospital immunity clause
The Health Services Authority could be facing another legal challenge to a controversial immunity clause used to protect doctors from medical negligence claims. Bilika Simamba claims he suffered health issues due to medical negligence at the hospital.
UPDATE: Visiting doctor dies from crash injuries
A visiting doctor who was struck by a taxi van and seriously injured Monday at Grand Cayman's Owen Roberts International Airport has succumbed to her injuries.
Cayman’s first mental health nurse retires
After 31 years of service to the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority, Cayman’s first mental health nurse, Diana Parchment, has retired.
Tech usage a potential ‘time bomb’ for communication
Concerns about tech usage and the effect it may have on the development of communication habits for young children are taking center stage this month in Better Hearing and Speech Month. Each May, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association tries to raise awareness about communication disorders and how concerned parents and educators can provide life-altering treatment.
EDITORIAL – Section 12 unlawful: Justice for Cayman … but not for Donette
The court judgment striking down the “immunity clause” in the Health Services Authority Law may be a hollow victory for Norene Ebanks and her disabled daughter Donette Thompson, but it could turn out to be a landmark triumph for other members of our society and for the general concept of justice in the Cayman Islands.
Hospital immunity clause was unlawful, judge rules
An “immunity clause” that protected negligent doctors in the Cayman Islands from civil lawsuits was unlawful, a judge has ruled.
Free health screenings this week
The Health Services Authority is offering free health screenings this week to mark World Health Day. Blood sugar and blood pressure checks are available at all district health centers, George Town General Practice, Faith Hospital on Cayman Brac and at the health clinic on Little Cayman.
Health officials say HIV false negatives from isolated cases
The Health Services Authority provided additional information Thursday about three recent cases of false-negative HIV results from private clinics in the Cayman Islands.
Cannabis oil import permit approved
A Cayman Islands pharmacy says it has secured an import permit to bring cannabis oil to the territory for medicinal purposes.It is believed to be the first such permission to be granted since cannabis oil extracts and tinctures were legalized late last year.
EDITORIAL – ‘False negative’: The danger of inaccurate HIV tests
There are few things more frightening than knowing you have HIV … unless it’s having HIV and not knowing it. As reported in Tuesday’s Compass, the news that the HSA discovered cases of “false negative” HIV tests from private healthcare facilities in Cayman is cause for great concern.
Maternity patient finds insects in hospital food
A new mother says she was stunned and disgusted after finding what she believed to be maggots in her porridge after being served breakfast at the Cayman Islands Hospital. Jhannaye Bodden gave birth to her first child Wednesday and was recovering in the hospital’s maternity ward when she made the troubling discovery.
Health services, turtle farm report losses
The Cayman Islands public health authority, as well as the islands’ most popular land-based tourist attraction, reported financial losses to the Legislative Assembly in reports made public Wednesday.
YMCA to benefit from DG’s 5K run
Proceeds from Deputy Governor Franz Manderson’s annual 5K run this year will go to the local chapter of the YMCA. Mr. Manderson said he hoped the event could raise $60,000 for the charity. The money will go toward a “ropes challenge course” in Grand Cayman.
‘Section 12’ immunity clause in the spotlight
A judge’s ruling in the case of a woman who tried to sue the Health Services Authority after her daughter was born with severe birth defects brought to light a little known “immunity clause” that protected doctors from legal action.
Pink Ladies ready to close up shop
The Pink Ladies coffee shop at the Cayman Islands Hospital will close Friday after serving customers for 35 years.
Cayman Heart Fund gives new ambulance to HSA
Thanks to the Cayman Heart Fund, the Health Services Authority has added a brand-new ambulance to its fleet.
New fire marshals at hospital
Forty-four Health Services Authority staffers have trained to be fire marshals who will be responsible for evacuations and fire safety checks at the Cayman Islands Hospital. The staff members received their training certificates Monday.
Cayman Islands Health Care System
Cayman Islands Health Care System — Today's editorial cartoon
Health department offers free HIV testing
To mark World AIDS Day, which this year is Dec. 2, the Health Services Authority is teaming up with two nonprofits to offer free HIV testing at 10 sites throughout the Cayman Islands this week through Dec. 3.
Hospital honors paramedic with ‘Chelsea Garden’ memorial
The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority dedicated a memorial garden Wednesday in honor of Chelsea Doxey, a former worker who died of cancer last year.
EDITORIAL – The health of healthcare in the Cayman Islands
If the Cayman Islands healthcare system were a patient, its medical case file would be a meter thick, containing a myriad of specialists’ assessments in regard to various disorders, illnesses and syndromes, payments to care providers, insurance rates, and government-mandated health insurance payroll deductions from all employers and employees.
Cabinet: No health insurance fee increase this year
Cabinet announced Thursday that it would not increase the minimum fees that health insurance companies pay for procedures after fewer than 10 doctors responded to government requests for financial information. A consultant’s report on healthcare costs recommended fees paid by insurance companies be increased by 12.3%.
Hedge Funds Care aims to raise $300,000
The 12th annual gathering of hedge fund managers, brokers and financial services firms at the Hedge Funds Care gala on Saturday, Nov. 19, is set to draw more than 350 people this year, say organizers, who hope to raise at least US$300,000 to combat child abuse and neglect.
EDITORIAL – The ins and outs of government’s cash flow
Several recent news stories have suggested that government is shifting its tactics toward people who owe it money. Good. Not only are the receivables overdue, so is the need for policy change.
Beg
Beg — our editorial cartoon
Free health screenings focus on diabetes
The Health Services Authority will hold free health screenings on Wednesday, Nov. 9, in relation to the upcoming World Diabetes Day.
HSA hiring debt collector to go after $58M from patients
The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority plans to hire a debt collector to go after $58 million in past-due accounts from patients. The debts range from those a couple of months old to some more than three years old, the latter involving some $32 million that has not been paid.
Cancer registry participation increases
Participation in the Cayman Islands’ voluntary cancer registry continues to increase, with more than 300 people registered. A press release from the Health Services Authority attributes the rise to doctors and cancer-related organizations regularly referring patients to the registry.
New helipad for Faith Hospital
A new helipad at the Brac’s Faith Hospital is providing the island with a much needed dedicated emergency landing site. At an opening ceremony held on Monday, Oct. 3, visiting U.K. Overseas Territories Minister, Baroness Joyce Anelay, and Governor Helen Kilpatrick cut the ribbon on the hospital’s new emergency helipad.
UPDATED: Pregnant woman among Cayman’s new Zika cases
Cayman now has 17 confirmed locally transmitted cases of Zika, including one pregnant woman, according to public health officials. All of the confirmed local cases are in George Town. The total number of cases confirmed with laboratory results, including those suspected to have come from overseas travel, is now 26.
Vital signs device donated to pediatric unit
The Jabez Foundation, a not-for-profit company, has donated US$2,722 to the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority’s pediatric department for the purchase of a device to check children’s vital signs.
Healthcare leaders will join hospital board
Four senior medical and civil service officials will be placed on the Health Services Authority board of directors in order to “help avoid the mistakes of the past,” according to Health Ministry Councilor Roy McTaggart.
EDITORIAL – Cayman’s ailing health authority
Government math can be tricky. But here’s a reliable conversion rate: One round of legislative testimony from Health Services Authority officials approximates to one week of troubling news headlines.
Public hospital gets approval to write off millions in debt
The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority has been trying to claim unpaid healthcare bills that are “uncollectable,” including from some former patients who have died, the authority’s board chairman confirmed during a government committee hearing last week.
Free healthcare conference to focus on all stages of life
“The Chapter of a Healthy Life” is the theme of this year’s Cayman Islands Healthcare Conference scheduled for Oct. 20-22 at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.
Government $1.2 billion healthcare liability figure may be low
The Cayman Islands government’s $1.18 billion figure for estimated healthcare liabilities due over the next two decades may be a bit low.
HSA promises ‘clean accounts’ by 2018
The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority has pledged to report “clean” financial statements by 2018, after receiving a tongue-lashing from Public Accounts Committee Chairman Ezzard Miller this week.
Government says it won’t get into ‘medical tourism’
Although it has been granted the legal designation to participate in “medical tourism,” the government has no intention of going into that business, public health officials said Wednesday.
HSA will sue to recover debts
The Cayman Islands public hospital system will begin suing patients or businesses that owe healthcare debts, the agency’s chief executive told lawmakers Wednesday.
Hospital gets high-tech X-ray facility
The Health Services Authority has built a new X-ray facility at the Cayman Islands Hospital, refitting an examination room and installing the state-of-the-art $400,000 machine, streamlining the once-cumbersome diagnostic process.
Mosquito Unit works to protect pregnant women as Zika fears grow
Some pregnant women have left the Cayman Islands and others are putting off moves to Grand Cayman now that there are known local Zika transmissions. But leaving a job and traveling overseas is not an option for many women who are pregnant and couples trying to conceive.
Public Health confirms third local Zika case
Public health officials Thursday confirmed a third local case of the Zika virus, all of which have occurred in George Town.
Donated funds allow hospital to order new, customized ambulance
The Cayman Islands Hospital is preparing to order a new ambulance from a U.S. manufacturer, finalizing specifications for the fresh equipment after the springtime completion of a $150,000 fundraising effort.
Two local Zika cases confirmed
Two people in George Town are Cayman’s first official cases of locally transmitted Zika, according to public health officials. The islands have had six cases of Zika imported by people visiting other countries, but these are the first reported incidents of the virus being acquired locally.
CarePay audit: US$1.8M spent on non-existent project
The Cayman Islands government spent US$1.8 million (CI$1.5 million) on a fraudulent plan to “roll out” a healthcare patient swipe-card system to private sector doctors and insurers, an audit of the public hospital system’s CarePay project has confirmed.
EDITORIAL – CarePay audit: No clean bill of public health
Case closed on CarePay? For the sake of the people of the Cayman Islands who are picking up the tab for this sordid affair, it better not be.
New hair-loss treatment for chemo patients at hospital
The Cayman Islands Hospital has introduced a new therapy treatment that reduces hair loss among cancer patients who receive chemotherapy there.
First Zika cases confirmed in Cayman
Two cases of imported Zika virus in the Cayman Islands have been confirmed by public health officials.
UPDATE: Hospital burglar ‘threatened to shoot officer’
A suspected burglar threatened to shoot a Royal Cayman Islands Police Service officer early Tuesday morning.
Legislative Assembly approves $862.4 million budget
Members of the Legislative Assembly Friday approved an $862.4 million budget for government over the next 18 months.
Breaking down the budget
Government’s budget priorities for the year ahead include increased funding for schools, modest pay raises for civil servants, and more money for the country’s financial regulator and for public health to fight diseases such as the Zika virus.
Few EY report ‘priorities’ under way
Recommendations from a September 2014 government consultant’s report by the Ernst & Young accounting firm have been pared down to 57 areas which the civil service intends to “progress,” according to a report released last week.
EDITORIAL – Turn for the worse: HSA’s accelerating unpaid debts
The estimated $90 million in bad debts for public healthcare says much — but not much good — about the state of these islands.
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Hospital waiting room upgraded
The critical care unit of the Cayman Islands Hospital is now a more welcoming place, thanks largely to the efforts of one woman who has spent many hours in the hospital’s waiting rooms over the years.
Hospital bad debts reach $90 million
The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority expects to end this month with $90.3 million in “doubtful debts” – hospital bills which have not been paid for at least a year and which have less chance, in the authority’s view, of being collected.
Child who inspired change to HSA Law may never benefit
She was the case study for changing the law to restore the rights of patients who believe they are victims of medical errors to claim compensation. But Donette Thompson may never benefit from the changes she inspired.
Government acts on 22 percent of audit recommendations
The Cayman Islands government has implemented just 22 percent of the recommendations made by its auditors for improving financial reporting and management processes in various public sector entities over the past five years.
EDITORIAL – When private funds subsidize government responsibilities
When the private sector pitches in to shoulder what should be government’s burden, it allows our officials to avoid making tough, but absolutely necessary, decisions.
