The Governing Board of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, RSUTH was recently inaugurated with the former commissioner of health in the state, Dr Tamuno Sampson Parker serving as its chairman.
At the inaugural board meeting, Dr Parker reeling from experience as former health commissioner and a research oriented professional did not hesitate in drawing an agenda that would galvanize the institution to achieve excellence and growth in medicine and management. In what many described as an all encompassing agenda, the chairman of the board unfolded a five point agenda that would drive the hospital’s growth and sustainability.
He urged members to show dedication and commitment in rendering self less and people oriented service delivery. Dr Parker also highlighted the need for staff safety and welfare, excellence in medical care and education, engaging and collaborating with other institutions and agencies, and the importance of creating a robust platform for training, research and human capacity development.
In his well received address which has now been adopted as a working document for RSUTH he noted that the hospital is not merely a cluster of wards, clinics and laboratories. In his words, “”it is a sanctuary of healing, a place where lives are saved, where families find hope, and where our citizens look to us for compassion and competence.”‘ Hence, he called for the need to be diligent, committed and self less.
He emphasized the need not to overlook the welfare of staff. Therefore, he called for the need to prioritize a safe working environment, absolute welfare and motivation, and of course, support system for members of staff.
Since the institution is an intersection of health care delivery and medical education, the promotion of excellence is a necessity according to the chairman. To achieve excellence, Dr Parker noted the hospital must be equipped with modern diagnostic and treatment facilities, strengthen academic linkages with Rivers State University and also encourage a culture of clinical excellence.
As a board, Dr Parker promised to seek partnership with other teaching hospitals and universities in Nigeria in order to share expertise, research findings and training opportunities. Also, in order to access cutting edge technologies,attract grants and facilitate staff and students exchange programmes partnerships with other reputable institutions locally and abroad is inevitable.
The board under his leadership must commit to research focused on diseases prevalent in Rivers State and encourage innovation including telemedicine.
Finally, he called on the board to execute their responsibility with integrity. Therefore, enthralled by the bold vision of the chairman the Governing Board decided to adopt his inaugural address as a working document. Hence, RSUTH under his leadership is poised to achieve excellence and growth in the years ahead. Of course, time will tell.
