23 June 2020
The monthly meeting of the Public Health Committee (PHC) took place on Wednesday, 3 June 2020.
The new Physiotherapist, Miss Chani Montaque, was introduced to the Committee having joined the Health Directorate on a short-term contract. It was noted that her appointment was one of a number of appointments that had been made as a result of the need for additional resources to aid the Island’s COVID-19 preparedness. On behalf of the Committee, Miss Montaque was wished well in her role on St Helena.
The following was noted under Matters Arising:
- Health & Safety: The Deputy Chief Secretary was seeking to progress this matter via the Health & Safety Working Group
- Primary Care Facility at Sundale: The Director of Health would coordinate a meeting to discuss progress of both the design and cost-related work necessary to aid completion of the relevant Business Case
- National Health Insurance Scheme: Provision has been made in the 2020/2021 budget for Consultancy Support
- Mental Health & Mental Capacity Ordinance: The relevant amendment/addition to the legislation was being progressed by the Director of Children & Adults Social Care in liaison with the Attorney General’s Chambers
- Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU): Had been approved as a micro-project under the Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP) for delivery in 2020/2021
- Port & Aerodrome (Health) Regulations: Charges could potentially be levied at full cost recovery.
The Committee was pleased to note that the Tobacco Control Legislation had been passed by Executive Council and would therefore proceed to the next formal sitting of Legislative Council on Friday, 26 June 2020.
In an update on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) preparedness, the Committee was informed that the remaining cohort of passengers was scheduled for release from quarantine at midnight on Wednesday, 3 June 2020. The period between this release and a future intake was seen as an opportunity to refine various policy documents and strategies to ensure they were both consistent and interlinked. The Committee agreed that the Island’s success in maintaining its COVID-free status was a testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved. It was noted that Baroness Sugg had also commended the efforts being made on St Helena.
SHG
23 June 2020