Alliance questions GSD commitments on cardiac centre

The GSLP/Liberal’s have criticised a GSD manifesto commitment to establish a Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre, given that the Alliance opened the Lionel Perez Rehabilitation Centre in 2017.

This comes after the GSD in its manifesto pledged to work with the Cardiac Association in order to establishing a Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre staffed with specialist cardiac trained nurses to provide support and advice to the many cardiac patients and complement the work of the GHA.

GSLP/Liberal Leader, Fabian Picardo, said: “It really is quite extraordinary that the party that is seeking your trust to govern Gibraltar through one of the most difficult periods in her history cannot remember that the GSLP/Liberals already inaugurated the Lionel Perez Rehabilitation Centre in December 2017.”

“Have the GSD not kept abreast of the many new and expanded services throughout our care services?”

“It is self-evident that they care little about the real medical concerns of our community and have just been concerned to add eye catching pledges for their manifesto, even if they are disrespecting the great work already being done by our health professionals.”

“Since 2017, GHA patients enrolled in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre have enjoyed a modern facility with new equipment.”

“The gymnasium is furnished with the latest equipment and a fully integrated audio-visual system, which was designed to promote a healing environment for patients with cardiopulmonary history or classified as ‘high-risk’. Music is provided during exercise sessions to support education, mindfulness, and relaxation needs.”

The new Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre was named in honour of the late Lionel Perez in recognition of his voluntary services.

Mr Perez was chairperson of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Support Group, which was founded in 1998 by Mr Gerry Fortuna (Cardiac Specialist Rehabilitation Nurse).

The then Health Minister, Neil Costa, and the GHA actively work closely with the Association to continually better the services offered to cardiac patients, Mr Picardo said.

“In fact, this service is one of the GHA’s greatest success stories,” he added.

Mr Picardo added: “This hugely important clinical service was reviewed and refreshed. Neil Costa and I know that the invigorated rehabilitation programme has been of enormous benefit to cardiac patients.”

“We listened carefully and acted on the Association’s recommendations because it is only by understanding patients’ needs that the GHA can continue to improve health services delivery.”