New wellness centre for healthcare workers opens at Eccles

Healthcare workers are being encouraged to prioritise their well-being, and for staff at the Eccles Health Centre, a new wellness facility is meant to provide much-needed support.

The wellness space, found in the same compound as the Eccles Health Centre, was commissioned on Wednesday.

The wellness space is a new initiative of the Ministry of Health. In its pilot phase at the Eccles Health Centre, the facility offers several key health services to the workers of the facility, including: screening for diabetes and hypertension, cardiovascular assessments, preventative screenings for various types of cancers, orthopaedic rehabilitation services, and education and counselling on nutrition, healthy eating, stress management, sleeping habits, and positive lifestyle changes.

“This facility represents a shift from what we traditionally describe as ‘sick care’ to a stronger focus on preventative care. We want people to remain healthier for longer and avoid developing complications from chronic diseases,” Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said at the launch of the centre.

Healthcare professionals encourage individuals to seek regular health checkups. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly are also healthy practices encouraged. However, Dr. Anthony believes that many Guyanese don’t prioritise their health. As such, the ministry is developing new ventures, like this wellness centre, meant to support people’s well-being.

“If we see it [the wellness centre] is working as we anticipate it should work, this is something we want to replicate in other parts of the country,” Dr. Anthony said.