Dear Editor,
It is my privilege to share good news today about the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The word came to me on more than one occasion, from more than one recipient of the hospitality of what Guyanese used to call ‘big hospital.’ It certainly has grown bigger, and the big news is how it has treated a couple of people close to me. Their experiences follow in compacted form.
A mother-to-be was admitted to the GPHC about a month ago for the pending delivery of her second child. From all reports, it was a smooth experience of time well spent, of a thoroughly professional staff, and of a clean environment. This and much more was relayed to me by a close relative of the new mother (second time around), who is well known to me. Simple citizens they all are, and they were treated well, very well. It is a satisfying story. Some Guyanese bent a certain way may find it hard to believe the thrill that I get to articulate developments such as these. I look for them, keep an ear to the ground for them, and would like to encounter more of them. I actually delight when I do.
Indeed, we have heard and read of the horror stories emerging out of the maternity ward, but this was a long-awaited good one. May there be many more of these experiences. Not just for childbirth, but across the wards and dealings with the lab and pharmacy and nurses and doctors, and the army of other helpers. Citizens serving citizens. The mother and her people are not the type of people who communicate in the public domain. I do it for them. From Minister Frank Anthony to matron and nurses in the maternity ward to the men and women in the GPHC complex, a big, warm thank you. I promise that as I learn of more instances like these across Guyana’s public service, my duty would be to do as I do today.
A few days ago, there was a surgery scheduled for a cancer patient. As many of my fellow citizens should know by now, I have had my not so infrequent passages with cancer. There has been more than once, and both on foreign shores and recently right here. It is a most dreadful expanse of time. On each occasion, it has been a hard grueling trial, saps the energy, but still succeeds in bringing out the best in us. The best was what was felt late last week at the GPHC. From place to place, and from one person to the next person, there was a great degree of courtesy and care all along the way. As articulated to me, the skills and sensitivities were all there.
There was a sense of being in good hands, which can be the most reassuring element in times of high distress, often great uncertainty. Having been there repeatedly, and experienced that kind of quality treatment, there is only one grace left to give. I share. I share to inspire others. I share to incentivize others that a candle flickers in the darkest of hours. This is my tribute on behalf of the first beneficiary (the patient), and her family to the family at the GPHC. Unlike the first recipient of fine treatment and ambience at the public hospital, big hospital, the cancer patient’s family is well-equipped to express their experience. There is gratitude that the honour has been given to me. Together we can do bigger things. With a national mindset and fullness of visions, great things can be ours. Give us more stories like these.
Sincerely,
GHK Lall
