The Health Services Authority (HSA) is improving access to sustainable, high quality primary health care for more people across the Cayman Islands by expanding the CayHealth Programme. CayHealth, serves clients from the Needs Assessment Unit (NAU). This expansion now includes all persons receiving care through NAU up from a small sample size of the population initially used.With the cost for healthcare in this population group rising rapidly, and with high cost, high risk health care conditions common in this group, it is paramount that efficient timely and cost effective care is the foundation of the CayHealth programme. As such, improving clinical outcomes by improving access to care and wellbeing, is the hallmark of the CayHealth programme.Originally launched in August 2010, the CayHealth programme is designed to ensure continuity of care by pairing individuals with their preferred general practitioner who will be their primary physician and provide quality medical care, maintain their medical records and assist them by coordinating any referrals they may need for additional care. Persons within the programme will also have the benefits of accessing care at the health centre in the district where they reside and have the health care team at their health centres coordinate access to specialists and overseas care if necessary.Selecting a district health centre and a preferred general practitioner will facilitate more personalized care, Director of Primary Health Care and Medical Officer of Health Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez said. Having a personal physician who knows your complete medical history will help to improve your medical condition and consistency of care, especially if you have been referred overseas.He added, In the coming weeks, all persons, whose care is referred through the NAU will receive personal correspondence from the HSA advising of the assignment to a primary care physician (PCP) and further details on the programme.Clients residing in the Sister Islands will access care from any of the five physicians at the Faith Hospital and assignment of a preferred general practitioner will be decided based on the physician from whom medical care is usually received. Frequently Asked Questions What is CayHealth?
- A joint health initiative of the Ministry of Health and the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority.
- A programme designed to provide access to a general practitioner who will be your primary care physician.
- Your primary care physician will team with you to improve your access to healthcare and coordinate any referrals you may need for additional care.
- Initially the programme was offered to a small sample size of clients of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) who receive healthcare benefits.
- This group was the first to have elite access to all the benefits of what will become a national programme. The programme has now been expanded to include all persons receiving healthcare benefits from the Needs Assessment Unit -NAU .
- CayHealth will not reduce your health benefits in any way. In fact, the programme will improve access to quality care.
- Through CayHealth you will have access to your primary care physician in your district.
- Your primary care physician will monitor your health and healthcare needs and provide more personalized care.
- CayHealth will give patients the chance to participate in health education programmes, such as diabetes education so they can take charge of their health.
- Your primary care physician will determine whether your medical condition requires consultations with a specialist and will refer you accordingly.
- The specialist physician will consult with your primary care physician (your personal physician) on any follow-up care which may be necessary.
- Staying with one physician means you will be able to build a strong relationship. This in turns allows your doctor to know and understand your healthcare needs better, ensuring that you receive the right care at the right time – securing better long–term health for you.
- While we encourage you to stay with one physician, CayHealth is not meant to limit you to a single practitioner.
- While we encourage you to stay with one physician, CayHealth is not meant to limit you to a single practitioner. All our physicians are qualified and skilled to provide you with quality health care, but if you want to change your primary care physician, you can discuss it with the nurse at the clinic or your doctor.
- You can book an appointment at your district health centre
- If your primary care physician is unavailable at any time, you will be helped by another physician. This physician will have access to your medical records, treatment plans and medications prescribed.
- When you need immediate medical attention, go to any other health centre where a physician is present.
- In the event of a medical emergency, go to our 24-hour Accident and Emergency Unit at the CI Hospital and Faith Hospital.
- Primary care physicians are placed in the district heath centres to provide easier access to healthcare and avoid waiting times at the hospital. We therefore encourage you to seek medical care at the health centre in your district. However, if it is convenient for you to seek care at another health centre, you may do so in consultation with the nurse in charge of the clinic. The important thing is to continue care with the same physician as much as possible.
- CayHealth does not apply to women’s health services, and you will continue to access these services as usual.
- At the George Town General Practice Clinic in the Cayman Islands Hospital compound.
- CayHealth does not affect paediatric services, and you will continue to access these services as usual.
- Having a primary care physician does not prevent you from seeing anyone else. If your primary care physician is not available, you can get an appointment with another physician.
- Your primary care physician will refer you for a specialist appointment as needed. Having a physician that knows your medical history means you will be able to receive the appropriate specialist care when need it.
- Yes, you can continue. Going forward, your primary care physician and specialist will monitor your progress together and your primary care physician will help you with future arrangements as needed.
- Health professionals respect the wishes of the patients. You can discuss that withy your primary care physician or nurse at the clinic.
- Primary care physicians (general practitioners) are placed in the district health centres to provide easier access to healthcare and avoid waiting times at the hospital. We therefore encourage you to seek medical care at the health centre in your district. However, if you want to continue seeing your primary care physician at another health centre, let staff know so you can ensure continuity of care.
- With CayHealth you can fill your prescriptions at your district health centre. This means easy access and shorter waiting times.
- All CayHealth’s components apply to residents in Sister Islands. There are currently five physicians providing care at Faith Hospital. The physician from whom you usually seek care will be your primary care physician.
- A physician visits Little Cayman Clinic once a week. For details please contact the clinic on 948-0072.