With the launching yesterday of the Information and Complaints Desk at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), members of the public are more likely to have answers to many of their concerns.

Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said at the launching that the initiative is aimed at making the institution user/client friendly.

The desk is located on the ground floor of the hospital's administrative building.

A Government Information Agency (GINA) release said that the information and complaints section is not intended merely to give information to, and receive complaints from, members of the public. It is expected to evolve over time to become the client relationship office.

However, persons who seek information about the various departments and updates on medical cases are likely to get some satisfaction through this networking system.

According to the release, the minister challenged the staff of the new department to ensure the area outside the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is more comfortable for visitors and families. He also recommended that there should be an open forum once quarterly for members of the public to air their views and concerns.

Noting that he had put forward the proposal almost three years ago, Ramsammy disclosed that the Ministry of Health would make it mandatory for other public hospitals to develop such offices. The current department will facilitate training for health personnel from various other hospitals.

Staff of the department will be required to prepare quarterly reports of complaints lodged, the release said.

The minister emphasised that all the services offered by the hospital were free of cost but there were a few private room accommodations for which persons were required to pay.

Director of Nursing, Matron Loretta Alexander, assured that the human relations facility would enhance the relationship between the hospital and the public.

Meanwhile, Director of Administrative Services (ag), Leslie Cadogan observed that the facility would help the public to better understand the institution and assured that they would work towards lifting the services to higher standards.

The new department is supervised by Hazel Williams, staff of the GPHC and public volunteers. Friends of the hospital are expected to assist.