Legislative changes, enhanced board oversight and the strengthening of strategic management are among five key recommendations made by the Institutional Review Committee appointed by the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, CD, MP to review the operations of the University of the Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), following the recent Auditor General’s Report.

The Committee chaired by Mr. Howard Mitchell, gave its recommendation at a press briefing hosted by the Ministry on Tuesday morning. The Committee has recommended that the UHWI Act be amended to consider, among other things, the size of the Board, the definition of ex-officio membership and language alignment with the Customs Act. Additionally, the Committee has recommended to the Minister of Health & Wellness, that an independent body be appointed for an initial one year to give oversight to the Board, to provide guidance on hospital governance and culture changes, as well as to develop the critical pathway to compliance.

In his remarks, Minister of Health & Wellness noted that “based on the report submitted to me, the Committee is of the view that the remedies identified in this Report will only be effectively and permanently implemented if a deliberate cultural change is effected within the UHWI. The mindset of both the Board and Staff will have to be receptive to the recommended changes, leading to the Institution and staff members internalising the efficacy of good governance and accountability.”

Strengthening strategic management, including HR practices and medical education governance was also recommended as a course of action for the Hospital. The Committee also noted the need for internal planning capability and consultative decision-making with clear authority lines. The Committee has also recommended that there be improved financial governance and resources including revenue optimization, receivable discipline and inventory and property management.

A service level agreement between the UHWI and the MOHW, as is the standard practice with the Regional Health Authorities was also part of the strong recommendations of the Review Committee.

The members of the UHWI Institutional Review Committee were Mr. Howard Mitchell, Past President, PSOJ (Chairman); Ms. Kadian Birch, Chief Programme Officer, MOHW; Professor Marvin Reid, Office of Deputy Principal, UWI, Mona; Ms. Angela Robertson, Attorney at Law; Mr. Joseph Taffe, Retired Chief Audit Executive, Grace Kennedy Group; and Professor Alvin Wint, Emeritus Professor, International Business, UWI.