Category: News

In April 2022, the general hospital launched a major improvement project to address several operational issues.

This project, funded by ring-fenced financial aid, addressed the following key areas:

• The morgue received a complete refurbishment, increasing capacity and improving hygiene, and a more accessible Chapel of Rest was built to better serve families
• To ensure consistent hot water access throughout the hospital, a brand new and efficient hot water system was installed
• A crucial backup power system was implemented to safeguard vital equipment during power outages.  This project successfully addressed its goals within budget and has significantly improved services for both patients and staff

The project aimed to achieve key outcomes that included ensuring consistent and reliable service delivery to the public, safeguarding valuable hospital equipment, and generating long-term operational cost savings for the hospital.

Mortuary and Chapel of Rest improvement

Following a competitive tendering process in early 2023, AMD Engineering secured the contract to transform a former medical storage area into a more modern mortuary with an adjoining, accessible Chapel of Rest. The project reached official completion in March 2024, with the mortuary partially operational since November 2023 and the Chapel of Rest becoming fully operational in April 2024. Key improvements to the mortuary include:

• A new body chiller with a capacity to accommodate six bariatric-sized bodies
• An enhanced workspace for efficient and streamlined mortuary operations
• Hygienic finishes and upgraded hoisting equipment
• Provision of a newly built Chapel of Rest that allows seating for approximately 15 people and single-level access for improved accessibility for all

Hospital hot water system improvement

Completed in March 2024, Henry’s Construction and Raymond Yon were awarded contracts to install a hot water system and enabling works to provide hot water to areas of the hospital lacking this service. A summary of these improvements are:

• The installation of a larger combined single boiler system allowing other stand-alone boilers to be removed from the network
• A more efficient hot water system using thermal solar panels and heat pumps for heating that is three times more efficient than typical immersion heaters
• Installation of hygienic hospital-grade long lever-handle taps
• Installation of an insulated hot water pipped network to support the new boiler and removal of old end of life pipe network systems

Backup power supply

A new generator and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system has been installed to safeguard vital medical equipment against power instability, and ensure a constant power supply throughout the hospital complex.

To expedite the project, SHG employed a procurement strategy that focused on acquiring equipment that would take longer to procure in advance. While this approach facilitated a quicker start to certain installation phases, the manufacturing of custom equipment took longer than initially anticipated.

Commissioning of the UPS and Generator is now successfully complete. The next step is to begin the technical task of connecting the new wiring with the existing hospital electrical system. These works are expected to be completed by June 2024.

#StHelena #Health&SocialCare #NewServiceUpgrades

SHG

06 June 2024

The Health Laboratory and Health Promotion teams will be celebrating World Blood Donor Day on Friday 14 June 2024.

To raise awareness for this important day, the teams will be hosting a special ‘blood drive’ on Thursday, 6 June 2024. The teams will be traveling to various locations around the island to promote blood donation and World Blood Donor Day. Stop by and chat with the team to learn more and see if you’re eligible to donate.

Location	Time
Jamestown Community Centre	09:30 – 10:30
Longwood Clinic	11:00 – 11:30
St Helena Airport	12:00 – 12:30
Levelwood Clinic	13:00 – 13:30
Half Tree Hollow Clinic	14:00 – 14:30

What is World Blood Donor Day?

World Blood Donor Day, celebrated annually on 14 June, is dedicated to raising awareness about the critical need for safe blood and blood products. It’s also a day to express our immense gratitude to voluntary blood donors for their life-saving gift of blood.

Why donate blood?

Blood donations are essential for saving lives. They help those facing accidents, surgeries, medical conditions like cancer or blood disorders, and chronic illnesses.

Benefits of donating blood

Donating blood offers surprising health benefits for the donor as well. Here are some reasons to consider:

• Improved Blood Flow: Regular donations can improve circulation and reduce the risk of arterial blockages, lowering your risk for heart attacks
• Balanced Iron Levels: Donating helps regulate iron stores, potentially reducing the risk of iron overload and related health issues
• Early Detection of Potential Issues: Blood donation screenings can reveal underlying health concerns you might not be aware of
• Reduced Cancer Risk: Studies suggest regular blood donation may reduce the risk of certain cancers.

After your donation, you’ll be provided with a refreshing beverage and complimentary blood tests will be offered by the lab.

How much blood is donated?

During a whole blood donation, a little less than one pint (approximately 450ml) of blood is collected.

Who can donate?

Eligibility depends on your blood type. Here’s a quick guide:

• O+: Can donate to O+, A+, B+, AB+
• A+: Can donate to A+, AB+
• B+: Can donate to B+, AB+
• AB+: Can donate to AB+ only

Who can receive my blood?

Blood type also determines compatibility for receiving blood:

• O+: Can receive from O+, O- (universal donor)
• A+: Can receive from A+, A-, O+, O-
• B+: Can receive from B+, B-, O+, O-
• AB+: Can receive from all blood types (universal recipient)

Want to learn more?

For further information, please contact:

• Laboratory team on tel: 22500 Ext: 2033 or 2034 or 2110
• Health Promotion team on tel: 22500 Ext: 2098 or 2094

#StHelena #WorldBloodDonorDay #DonateBlood #AltogetherHealthier

SHG
05 June 2024

The Minister for Treasury and Economic Development Mark Brooks delivered the 2024/25 budget speech today, 3 June 2024, for St Helena to the Legislative Council. A copy of the budget speech is available online at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Budget-Speech-2024-Final.pdf.

In his opening remarks, Minister Brooks said: 

“Last year I used the Budget Speech to call for a change in mind-set.”

This year, it has become more apparent than ever that the island faces pressing issues that mean we must all work together to build a better future for our people.  The private sector, non-government organisations (NGOs), individuals and the government all have a part to play in this island’s future.  We all need to work as a team to achieve our common goals.”

“Our vision is to enable St Helena’s people to build their own futures and create their own opportunities, while not leaving anyone behind. To do this, we aim to create an enabling environment that allows people and businesses to thrive, while preserving what makes St Helena unique. We must also improve how SHG delivers as a government to ensure that essential services can be sustainably delivered into the future.”

The budget as presented includes a 3% increase (£1.0 million), in the Financial Aid settlement from the UK Government when compared to the budget for 2023/24.  This means total available funding from the UK Government of £34.1 million which includes a further £500,000 to continue to develop the tourism industry. In addition a further £1.0 million has been made available by HMG for essential equipment.

In his budget speech, Minister Brooks expressed gratitude to His Majesty’s Government for their continued support to St Helena through Financial Aid.  

In concluding his budget speech, Minister Brooks said:

“I started by thanking HMG for the ongoing support and I would like to end by thanking the Saint Helena community for all their support in making some of the highlights of the year a success.”

The Minister went on to summarise the recent successful visits of the Duke of Edinburgh, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Show Case event and the British Islands and Mediterranean Regional conference delegation and then said:

“All of this Mr Speaker wouldn’t have been the success it was if not for the people of St Helena and I want to thank each and every one for making St Helena what it is.

We can hold our heads high and know that what makes St Helena truly unique is totally within our control and long may this continue.”

The motion to consider the Appropriation Bill 2024 now stands adjourned until Wednesday 5 June 2024, when the details of the Bill will be debated by Legislative Council. 

Allocations for recurrent expenditure proposed in the Appropriation Bill 2024 and the Budget Book are as follows: 

• Central Support Service —£10,4 million
• Attorney General’s Chambers — £0.1 million
• Safety, Security and Home Affairs — £2.9 million
• Judicial Services — £0.1 million
• Treasury — £7.9 million
• Police Operations — £0.9 million
• Economic Development — £5.8 million
• Education, Skills and Employment — £3.6 million
• Health and Social Care — £9.5 million
• Environment, Natural Resources and Planning — £1.7 million

The total amount proposed to be appropriated as recurrent expenditure in 2024/25 is £42.8 million.  In addition, £5.7 million for recurrent expenditure for pensions and benefits will be provided via standing appropriations. 

A further £0.6 million for capital expenditure will be provided across the following portfolios:

• Safety, Security and Home Affairs
• Economic Development
• Education, Skills and Employment
• Health and Social Care

#StHelena #Budget24 #AltogetherWealthier

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On 01 July 2024 the minimum wage will increase. It will rise from £3.65 per hour to £4.00 per hour for an adult aged 18 and above, and from £2.70 per hour to £3.05 per hour for those aged 16 and 17 years old.

This increase is in line with the Minimum Wage Policy of 2021. This policy sets out the principles for establishing a longer-term path to a more ambitious Minimum Wage, benefitting workers and providing adequate time for businesses to plan and adapt. The Minimum Wage Policy is available on the SHG website at www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/public-information/.

The proposed increases in the Minimum Wage between 2022 and 2025 are detailed below.

FY	Proposed Hourly Increase	Hourly Minimum Wage (18+)	Hourly Minimum Wage (16-17)
2022/23	£0.12	£3.37	£2.42
2023/24	£0.28	£3.65	£2.70
2024/25	£0.35	£4.00	£3.05

The above schedule for increases was informed by the Minimum Income Standard (MIS) work of 2020. The MIS is the income level needed for a minimum socially acceptable standard of living that provides more than what is just needed for survival. It supports social participation and recognises that choice is important, but also that choice cannot be unlimited.

In 2022 the MIS identified rates of between £4.92 and £6.09 per hour per adult for a family with two adults and two children dependent on living circumstances, whether in Government Landlord Housing or with a mortgage, and whether or not the family was running a car.

Although a target minimum wage level and timetable were published in 2021, when determining whether to increase the minimum wage, consideration is also given to the cost of living pressures on both employees and employers. The Minimum Wage Policy recognises that there is a limit to the size of increases that businesses can absorb in a single year, whilst at the same time establishing a clear pathway for raising the minimum income level in St Helena. The target Minimum Wage level for 2024/25 was therefore set and approved at £4.00 per hour.

The changes being introduced in July are the latest in a long line of increases. Overall, the minimum wage has increased by 73.9% since it was introduced in 2013.

Financial Year	Minimum Wage Rate	% Increase in Minimum Wage	Annual Inflation
2013/14	£2.30	N/A	2.10%
2014/15	£2.30	0%	1.80%
2015/16	£2.60	13.04%	2.60%
2016/17	£2.60	0%	5.10%
2017/18	£2.95	13.46%	3.80%
2018/19	£3.05	3.39%	3.30%
2019/20	£3.13	2.62%	1.10%
2020/21	£3.18	1.60%	1.30%
2021/22	£3.25	2.20%	4.60%
2022/23	£3.37	3.69%	4.61%
2023/24	£3.65	8.31%	4.59
2024/25	£4.00	8.8%	N/A
Total Increase	£1.70	73.9%

In total, the new 2024-25 Minimum Wage is equivalent to an increase of £682.50 when compared to the 2023/24 Minimum Wage for someone working a full time, 37.5 hour week.

Financial Year	Hourly wage	Weekly 37.5 Hours	Monthly	Annual Before Tax	Annual After Tax
2024/25	£4.00	£150.00	£650.00	£7,800.00	£7,592.00
Compared to
2023/24	£3.65	£136.88	£593.13	£7,117.50	£7,086.95

Employers are legally required to pay at least the minimum hourly rate of £4.00 per hour for an adult aged 18 years and over, and £3.05 per hour for someone aged 16 or 17 years old. It is the responsibility of all employers to ensure they are compliant with the provisions of the changes when they come into effect.

#StHelena #MinimumWage #AltogetherWealthier

SHG

31 May 2024

Last week, the Royal Engineer Lead Air Support Team visited St Helena and conducted a comprehensive survey of the airport runway. The survey confirmed the runway remains in excellent condition, and the team also provided valuable capacity building and support to airport staff.

Building on this successful visit, the Royal Air Force (RAF) have identified an opportunity to showcase their capabilities. An A400M military transport aircraft will conduct a training flight between St Helena and the Falkland Islands and will take place from Sunday 2 June to Monday 3 June 2024.  

This provides a valuable training opportunity for the RAF and will confirm the route in case St Helena ever needs any humanitarian support and if a short landing or take off capability is ever required.

Whilst here, the visiting team is hoping to get out and about to experience the island’s natural wonders and hopefully spend some time meeting the island’s youth.

Beyond the training mission, the RAF are also committed to engaging with the St Helena community. To foster connection, the RAF and St Helena Airport will host a special visit for children of all ages at the airport on Sunday 2 June from 13:00 to 15:00.

Parents who wish for their child or children to participate can register their names by contacting Stephen Thwaites at stephen.thwaites@fcdo.gov.uk.  Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult and transportation to the airport is not provided.

This visit by the RAF underscores the strong partnership between the UK and its Overseas Territories.

#StHelena #RoyalAirForce #StHelenaAirportLtd

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The annual World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) campaign takes place on Friday 31 May 2024. This day, organised by the World Health Organization (WHO), serves to raise awareness of the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use.

This year the theme for WNTD is ‘Protecting Children from the Harms of Tobacco’.  Studies show that most adults who regularly use tobacco started before the age of 18.

Health Impacts of Tobacco

Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your health. Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death and illness in the world today.

Two-thirds of all preventable and treatable deaths on the island in the last 20 years were from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancers, with smoking being a contributing risk factor to all of these diseases. 

Smoking does not only affect smokers, it also affects others around them. People who breathe in second-hand smoke are at the same risk for illnesses as smokers, including lung cancer and heart disease. Children and infants exposed to tobacco smoke are also more likely to experience ear infections and asthma.

To help keep young people free from the devastating effects of tobacco it is important to:

• Maintain a dialogue. Start early. Begin talking with your children about smoking. Be honest and open to seeing things from your child’s point of view. Keep the conversation going as children get older.
  
  
• Prepare your children for peer pressure. Discuss what they might say if a friend offers them a cigarette or e-cigarette.
  
  
• Set a good example. If you smoke, the best thing you can do is to stop smoking. Do not smoke around your children. Free support is available from Smokefree St Helena.
  
  
• Establish a smoke-free home. Do not allow family members or friends to smoke in your home or car. Make sure the places where your child spends a lot of time are smoke-free.

If your child has started smoking, try to learn why. This may help you talk with him or her more effectively. Instead of punishment, offer understanding and support to resist the dangerous lure of tobacco-use and addiction.

Smoke-Free St Helena

Stopping smoking isn’t easy, but it is much easier with the right support. Smokefree St Helena provides an evidence-based programme of support, with sessions delivered by trained stop-smoking practitioners. The Smokefree St Helena programme is made up of two core components:

• behavioural support
• stop-smoking medications

It is through this combination that smokers have the best chance of breaking the habit. The programme provides weekly support sessions, where clients can receive the following support:

• Engaging in discussions on their progress and difficulties they may be having
• Receiving advice, encouragement and medication from their practitioner  

Pop by the Smokefree St Helena World No Tobacco Day stall at the Canister on Friday 31 May from 10:00 to 13:00 for more information.

Alternatively please contact the team directly by email though smokefree@sainthelena.gov.sh or by telephone on 25863.

#StHelena #Health #WorldNoTobaccoDay2024 #AltogetherHealthier

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