Kindergarten students at the “The Little-ones Learning Centre” visited the Ministry of Health Head Office in Suva today to say “thank you” for the ministry’s decision to keep the Children’s Outpatient services at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital open.
The students, accompanied by their teachers, paid a surprise visit to Health Permanent Secretary Dr Sala Saketa.
With posters stating “Thanks for keeping the children happy” and “Thank you for thinking of the children” the students said they were there on behalf of the children of Suva and all those who use the services at the Children’s Hospital.
The outpatient services were to have closed from August 24 but Dr Saketa intervened and reversed the decision to close it off because of the lack of staff.
The Paedetrics Unit has since received additional staff to ensure that children around the greater Suva area are able to receive outpatient service still.
Dr Saketa said she was surprised by the visit from the kindergarten students and was touched by their response.
“Children are important members of our communities and the Ministry of Health will continue to look at ways we can better provide for them through the Healthcare services we do provide,” Dr Saketa said.
“We have roped in three staff from other health facilities to ensure that the services are not hindered at the Children’s Ward.”