KPH gets first female senior medical officer

A NEW senior medical officer (SMO) has been assigned to the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH). Dr Natalie Whylie is an ear, nose and throat surgeon and was appointed as a consultant at KPH in 2005. She was promoted to department head in 2011.

She succeeds Dr Patrick Bhoorasingh, who served as the hospital's SMO for seven years, making her the first female SMO in the hospital's history.

"Dr Bhoorasingh must be commended for the outstanding years of service he has given to the Kingston Public Hospital. His exemplary leadership has led to much advancement in the delivery of health care at KPH, inclusive of the kidney transplantation programme and the annual research conference," Dr Andrei Cooke, acting board chairman, South East Regional Health Authority, said.

"We now look forward to the expertise and vibrancy Dr Whylie will bring as she works to build the image of the hospital while soliciting greater collaboration and support from the wider community.

Dr Whylie is now responsible for directing and coordinating all medical and paramedical services of the hospital, in accordance with government policies and regulations, and ensuring that the standards of care and services are maintained.

KPH is the largest multidisciplinary hospital in the English-speaking Caribbean, catering to more than 300,000 patients annually.