HPC Opens New Office

Cayman's Health Practice Commission (HPC) officially opened its office in the Sigma Building with a visit from the Minister for Health Services, the Hon Mr Gilbert McLean this week (Monday, 2 May).

Previously located in the Cayman Islands Hospital, the new, larger offices will enable the commission to deal with its expanded responsibilities.

Established in June 2004 under the Health Practice Law (2002), the HPC licenses health care facilities and is home to the four professional councils regulating health care professionals in the Cayman Islands.

Chairing the commission is the Ministry of Health Services' Permanent Secretary Andrea Bryan. Members include Dr. Steve Tomlinson, who is the commission's deputy chairman; Chief Building Control Officer McCleary Frederick; Crown Counsel Mr. Lindsey Cacho, and Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kiran Kumar.

Cutting the ribbon at the official opening, Minister for Health Services, the Hon. Gilbert McLean, said, "The commission is a step forward for health care in Cayman as it will continue to raise the bar for health facilities and health care practitioners. The councils will ensure that everyone gets health care from qualified professionals, while the commission will ensure that this care takes place in a facility that is safe, staffed by qualified professionals, and outfitted with the necessary equipment."

In the past, health care facilities received planning approval prior to construction, but there was no ongoing monitoring. Under the new law, HPC inspectors will visit all health care facilities to ensure that they are safe, have appropriate and adequate equipment in place and public liability insurance. The HPC will also ensure that all health practitioners working in licensed healthcare facilities are registered with the appropriate councils and have malpractice insurance.

THE FOUR COUNCILS

• The Medical and Dental Council will license medical doctors, podiatrists, osteopaths (trained in the USA), dentists, and dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental technicians, and dental surgical assistants;
• The Nursing and Midwifery Council will license nurses, midwives, nurse practitioners, nurse anaesthetists, practical nurses and registered mental health nurses;
• The Pharmacy Council will be responsible for pharmacists; and
• The Council for Professions Allied with Medicine will license all other health care professionals that are listed in Schedule 6 of the Health Practice Law, 2002, such as acupuncturists, chiropractors, optometrists, paramedics, and mental health counsellors, to name a few.

Health Practice Commission:

• Ms Andrea Bryan, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health Services, Chair Person
• Dr. Steve Tomlinson, Deputy Chairman
• Lindsey Cacho, Assignee of Attorney General
• Dr. A.K.Kumar, Medical Officer of Health
• McCleary Frederick , Chief Building Control Officer

Health Appeals Tribunal:

• Eileen Nervik, Chair Person
• Nicholas Johnson
• Professor Owen Morgan

Offices of HPC and Councils:

• Sigma Building, 93 Hospital Road, Tel: 949-2813, Fax: 946-2845