A mandate to rehabilitate lives

Physiotherapist Beverly Nelson of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation explains her department’s mandate and her love for what she does.

The Rehabilitation Department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is a key department within our medical sector in Guyana. Professional therapists provide timely, restorative medical techniques, in helping persons with temporary or permanent disabilities, heal both physically and emotionally.

Equipped with medical therapy experts, the Rehabilitation Department offers effective, modernized programmes. Of note is Beverly Nelson, the principal physiotherapist of the department. Nelson has been working in physiotherapy for more than 20 years. She initially worked for a number of years in her hometown of New Amsterdam, and about 10 years ago, was transferred to Georgetown. She started off working as a physiotherapy assistant and moved up in the profession. Excelling in a two-year training programme in Guyana, Nelson was granted a scholarship for a three-year professional programme in physiotherapy in Jamaica. About two years ago, she graduated with her Masters in Physiotherapy.
“You have to like what you do before you can be committed to it. This job requires lots of patience. Sometimes we have patients who may become depressed because, to them, they’re not getting better. This requires not only being able to offer physical rehabilitation, but also emotional. For me, it has been a rewarding career,” Nelson declared in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.
The physiotherapist explained that her department offers occupational therapy, speech therapy, audiology, and medical rehabilitation for persons with temporary or permanent disabilities. She noted that patients include those with temporary disabilities, those who have been privately referred to her department for medical rehabilitation, persons suffering from a stroke, and those with speech problems. There is also occupational therapy which is the use of treatments to develop, recover, or maintain the daily living and work skills of patients with a physical, mental or developmental condition.
The therapists also use a variety of modalities to help treat their patients. These modalities, which comprise hot/cold packs and electrical stimulation, can help strengthen, relax, and heal muscles. Additionally, the modern equipment at the gym at GPHC is vitally necessary in the healing process.
Nelson sees more than 40 patients on a daily basis and has worked with famous athletes such as pro cricketer Ramnaresh Sarwan, who was required to undergo remedial physiotherapy treatment, due to an injury he sustained while playing.
“We assess the injuries and work not only to treat these but to find the reason for the injuries, so that they can avoid doing so again. I’m happy when rehabilitation brings joy to families. I recall a patient, who had a fracture to his pelvis, who came in on a stretcher, but left us walking without the use of aids. Our department has certainly developed over the years and some credit must go to the Ministry of Health for their support in providing timely resources. Right now I think we are on par with any rehab department in the Caribbean,” she conveyed.
Nelson encourages persons who need the services of her department to seek its help as it aids in living healthy lives. She pointed out that persons maybe be hesitant because they may have the misconception that it is pricey. Nelson disclosed that those going to GPHC pay only $40 (Guyana) dollars for the entire duration of their therapy session. She added that there are similar departments in all administrative regions of Guyana and the services at those locations are free.
Discussing the challenges faced by her department, Nelson revealed that there is an urgent need for more professionals in the areas of occupational therapy and speech therapy. She stated, that a core of professionals, to guide staff, are also needed.
The department recently completed its celebration of its 10th rehabilitation week. Informative booths were placed in front of Republic Bank, lectures on coping skills for staff were done at GPHC, and a charity drive, among other activities, were done in commemoration of the week.
The importance of early detection of ill health was underscored during the week; this under the theme, “Rehabilitation Moving Forward: New Ventures, New Technologies”.
Nelson pointed out that early detection means early intervention, and she believes early intervention helps to decrease the number of complications resulting from various disabilities.