Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Duane Sands said since its inception, 80 plus persons have successfully qualified themselves as Pastoral Care Givers via the Public Hospitals Authority’s (PHA) Clinical Pastoral Education Training programme that was introduced and presently continues under the supervision of Rev. Canon S. Sebastian Campbell, the PHA’s own Hospital Chaplain.

Dr. Sands said that as Minister of Health, as well as during his decades of practice as a physician, he has often reflected on the importance of partnership at every level in the delivery of excellent service in healthcare.

“It is no wonder that tonight’s theme, “Partners Together in the Delivery of Healthcare”, is one that I wholeheartedly support and consider most worthy as we seek to move healthcare to a new level in this century,” he said during the during the Clinical Pastoral Education 7th Commencement Exercise at Government House, Tuesday, January 16, 2018.

“This theme recognises that the challenges that individuals are faced with as it relates to healthcare and wellness requires the fusion of objectives to cross all levels. We hear the cry for healing in our nation every day, but too few realise that we can only mend the brokenness that is seen and felt throughout our Bahamaland when we work together in partnership to achieve a common goal.”

Dr. Sands said the country must take a holistic view of health and wellness, taking into account an individual’s physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being as well as embracing the awesome duty to bring restoration, healing and hope to all God’s people.

He said the Ministry has heard the many cries of Canon Campbell as he labours in the hope of seeing the nation’s healthcare institutions recognise and invest in Pastoral Care and Counselling where Chaplains are common place and accepted with equal integrity to other workers in other departments, as is carried out within the local Police Force, Defence Force, Prison Services and many hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centres all across the world.

“I applaud Canon Campbell for his comprehensive vision for Clinical Pastoral Care, and for the work that he has accomplished thus far. I likewise salute our graduates, and all those previously qualified in Pastoral Care through this training programme, recognising the importance of your service to your fellowmen as you continue to bestow God’s Grace to those most in need,” Dr. Sands said.

Dr. Duane Sands addresses PHA’s Clinical Pastoral Education 7th Commencement Exercise at Government House, Tuesday, January 16, 2018. 

By Llonella Gilbert

Bahamas Information Services