10 hospitals to get physiotherapy equipment valued at $22 million
THE National Health Fund (NHF) has approved a $22.2-million grant that will provide 10 hospitals with much-needed physiotherapy equipment .
The hospitals to benefit are the Savanna-la-Mar, Cornwall Regional, St Ann’s Bay, Spanish Town, Kingston Public, Mandeville, May Pen and National Chest Hospitals; the Bustamante Hospital for Children and the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre.
“Shortage of equipment has routinely resulted in long waiting times for people to receive treatment,” the NHF said in a statement yesterday.
“This affects the patient’s ability to quickly return to regular and productive activities and impacts negatively on the family and on the national economy.”
The NHF said the 10 hospitals would see significant improvements in turnaround times for patient treatment.
Approximately 26,000 people annually access physiotherapy services in the public health sector.
The need for physiotherapy usually arises as a consequence of diseases and injury. Clients are first evaluated, and several methods are employed to address impairments, limitations to function and disabilities. Common conditions treated include orthopaedic conditions such as fractures and dislocations, lower back pain; neurological conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury and Parkinson’s disease; cardiopulmonary and circulatory conditions such as peripheral vascular disease; arthritic conditions; corrective tissue conditions such as burns and wounds; sports injuries and workplace injuries.