Rotary Club of Liamuiga praised for its partnership role
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts & Nevis, April 3rd, 2012 - Last weekend marked the completion of the visit of a team of specialists from the International Diabetic Federation (IDF) to St Kitts and Nevis. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Liamuiga for three years, this advanced course was run at OTI on 26th and 27th March and was an extension of the basic training held last year.
Thirty-four doctors, nurses and community health care workers spent time reviewing the progress from last year’s basic training in foot care examinations and techniques for treating maladies associated with diabetic side effects. Case studies with specific patients were also studied before moving on to learning more advanced techniques of diabetes foot care in other countries.
The course started with an Opening Ceremony attended by specially invited participants, observers from the Rotary Club of Liamuiga - the host sponsoring club, members of the International Faculty, Dr. Kristien Van Acker, Dr. Stephan Morbach and podiatrist, Ms. Simone McConnie. Mr John Greedy of the Rotary Club of Ledbury, credited for initiating this project, was also in attendance.
President Peter Jenkins in opening remarks on behalf of the Rotary Club of Liamuiga opined how the foot care programme was an important part of Rotary in the Caribbean. He said other members of District 7030 were looking to St Kitts and Nevis for successfully reducing amputations over time as a result of this awareness and focus.
He added “I wish to welcome back to our shores the faculty members, thank our hardworking members of the medical community for their participation and sacrifice and look forward to the interventions that would allow our people with diabetes to have fuller lives for many more years.”
Dr Kristien Van Acker then gave an overview of the work of IDF and their involvement in Step by Step all over the world before highlighting their work in the Caribbean and St Kitts and Nevis. In brief remarks Dr Patrick Martin, Chief Medical Officer, emphasised that: “Improving the foot care of diabetics and others requires a multi-disciplinary approach and the collaboration between the Rotary Clubs, IDF and the Ministry represents a fulfilment of the Ministry's strategy of forging public-private partnerships.”
He added that “the involvement of external partners helps to validate the local service providers.” He was quick to point out that “it takes cash to care and in this time of fiscal constraints, the investment of the rotary clubs is very much appreciated.”
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Hon Marcella Liburd thanked the Rotary Club of Liamuiga for working with the Ministry to bring the IDF team to our shores and putting together the training course. She also applauded the health care workers and doctors for taking the time to be part of the team, especially the local faculty, led by Dr Cameron Wilkinson who brought the course to life with real examples from within our own communities.
At the end of the two days, certificates of attendance were awarded to the thirty-four participants. Dr Stephan Morbach of the international faculty, in complimenting the team, said: “St. Kitts was a superb experience and will remain in our memories among the best courses ever. Especially, the Rotary support and participation is unique.”
The Caribbean Diabetic foot care programme has been widely successful in other parts of the Caribbean since the first foot care project was started in Tobago in 2006. In 2008 the international Diabetes Federation (IDF) merged their programme with UK Rotary clubs and now provides all the volunteer training staff.
In St Kitts and Nevis, The Rotary Club of Liamuiga is the host club and the Rotary Club of Lichfield St Chad is the lead and major funding partner aided by the Rotary Club of Ledbury.
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