👩‍⚕️ Health Minister Sabrina Turner initiates national health strategy consultation

Three years after taking office, Health Minister Sabrina Turner has announced a one-month consultation period starting on 1 May to shape a national health strategy for the Cayman Islands. The consultation will help to develop a guiding document that outlines the strategic directions for the country's health and healthcare system over the next decade. Turner acknowledged that the Cayman Islands were long overdue for a new national health strategy, with the only previous one issued in 2012. The strategy will serve as a blueprint for policymakers, healthcare providers, advocates, and patients to work towards improving health outcomes for individuals, families, communities, and the nation. 🏥

The consultation process, supported by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), will involve a range of key stakeholders and offer numerous opportunities for public participation. In preparation for the consultation period, representatives from the Ministry will engage and prepare the public. From 1 to 31 May, feedback from the community will be sought through various channels, including talk shows, virtual and face-to-face town halls, a designated survey, social media posts, and email. Key stakeholders in health, including private and public sector providers, NPOs, faith-based organisations and other key advocates, will also be engaged. Chief Nursing Officer Felicia McLean emphasized the importance of public input, stating that everyone's voice matters in the creation of a national health strategy that truly reflects community needs. 📢