QEH launches new hypertension evaluation programme

In collaboration with the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus’ Medical Faculty, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital has launched the Hypertension Evaluation Initiative (HypE).

Relations Officer, Sheldene Mayers revealed that as part of the celebrations of World Hypertension Day, which took place on Thursday morning under the theme, ‘Know Your Numbers’, the QEH Board of Managers saw it fitting to embark on an initiative which would emphasise the importance of their employees knowing their blood pressure readings.

“Another impetus behind this initiative was the various challenges associated with non-communicable diseases. These challenges are not only observed on the national level but also at the organisational level,” she said. “The QEH HypE Staff Wellness Programme is a collaborative effort between UWI and the QEH. Dr. Kenneth Connell, associate consultant and lecturer at UWI has played a critical role in the design of the programme, which will seek to improve the general health of the employees and innovatively manage chronic diseases, primarily hypertension, via the use of telehealth.”

Mayers explained that telehealth utilised digital information and communication technologies, such as computers and mobile devices to access health care services remotely and manage health care.

“The programme is expected to be piloted for one year and will comprise of a team of junior doctors in collaboration with the staff at the staff wellness centre and any other specialists who may be required to manage the care of employees,” she said.

“It is anticipated that the programme will start with 350 employees who have been identified as hypertensive or pre-hypertensive and other employees who would have volunteered to be screened to determine whether they were hypertensive or pre-hypertensive.”

She revealed that persons taking part in the programme will be issued with a device that will turn their phone into a powerful FDA and European Society of Hypertension approved blood pressure monitor for easy, accurate blood pressure readings.

“This initiative is an exciting one and falls squarely in place with the corporate objectives of the QEH as it relates to managing the health, safety and welfare of its employees,” she said.