North America Caribbean region webinar series
Register here to take part in the webinar
This free webinar is only open to members of World Physiotherapy member organisations in the North America Caribbean region.
Webinar title
Primary health care in Guyana - a physiotherapy perspective
Date and time
Wednesday 30 April 2025, 22:00-00:00 UTC (18:00-19:00 EST)
Speakers
- Ertensia Hamilton
- Soroya Simmons, member of Guyana Physiotherapy Association
- Elton Newton, member of Guyana Physiotherapy Association
Facilitator
- Sibyl Edward, North America Caribbean region executive committee chair and member of Physiotherapy Association of Saint Lucia
Ertenisa Hamilton is a director of primary health care at the ministry of health in Guyana.
She began her career as a medical doctor and later transitioned into public health. She has over 10 years of experience in this field. She also lectures part-time at the University of Guyana and volunteers her medical services in the community.
Soroya Simmons is a curious and dedicated physiotherapist who has worked in the public health system for seven years, witnessing at first hand the rising need for a holistic approach to health and wellness.
Soroya has worked for a year in a rural area and now works at a regional health centre leading the rehabilitation services at the centre. She is driven to empower patients in reclaiming their heart health and wellbeing.
Elton Newton is a physiotherapist and, for the past two years, has worked in Mahdia in Guyana. He has seen first hand the importance of integrating rehabilitation in universal health care.
He is involved in fitness and advocates for exercise.
Webinar description
The objectives of this webinar are to:
- Highlight the role of physiotherapy in primary health care – Discuss how physiotherapy integrates into Guyana’s primary health care system to enhance patient outcomes, prevent disabilities, and promote overall wellbeing.
- Strengthen collaboration between health sectors – Explore ways to improve coordination between physiotherapists, primary care providers, and community health workers to ensure comprehensive patient care.
- Raise awareness on early intervention and preventative care – Educate participants on the importance of early physiotherapy interventions for conditions like stroke, musculoskeletal disorders, and chronic diseases to reduce long-term disability.
- Develop strategies for expanding physiotherapy services in primary care – Identify key challenges and propose solutions for increasing access to physiotherapy services across all regions, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
