|
|
|
September 13, 2007
Governor meets with JFL Hospital Board Members Gov. John deJongh met Wednesday afternoon with members of the Juan F. Luis Hospital board to address issues facing the hospital, as well as other matters of concern to the community. Discussions were held at the St. Croix health care facility, as it presented the opportunity to tackle some standing challenges, as well as other ongoing operational objectives. "Recognizing the critical needs of the hospitals, I take this opportunity to express my wholehearted support of the V.I. Cardiac Center and its vision in patient care. In working together to help advance the operations and functionality of the hospital in total, I pledge my administration’s full support to finding the funds currently needed," deJongh said at the end of the meeting. DeJongh said he is also working to identify and expeditiously appoint additional board members and fulfill the board’s capacity. The officials addressed a variety of issues ranging from progress on the cardiac center, recruitment and staffing of nurses and physicians, current and projected facility revenues and expenses, medical licensing requirements in the territory and emergency and disaster planning and preparedness. deJongh stressed the importance of maintaining open communications and strong dialogue, noting that the hospital’s critical needs are of utmost importance to his administration. "This meeting highlights the role of government in providing leadership to assist in the availability of quality healthcare in the territory." Utilizing creative and solutions-oriented approaches, "I look forward to working with the hospital staff towards a continued and long-range partnership in raising the quality of life for all people on St. Croix and the Virgin Islands," deJongh added. Board members present at the meeting include: Acting Chair Carmelo Rivera, Vice Chair Faustina Richardson, Secretary and Nurse’s representative, Dr. Michelle Berkley, Treasurer and Physician’s representative Francis M. Molloy and Godfrey Fredericks. Non-board members Dr. Olaf “Bronco” Hendricks who serves as President of the Medical Staff was also in attendance as was JFL Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr. Gregory Calliste. The administration has had ongoing dialogue with various board members on a variety of issues, but Wednesday's meeting was the first official gathering that deJongh has held with members of the hospital board and staff. |
