Western Regional Health Authority

Picture of St Andrade Sinclair

Mr St Andrade Sinclair

Regional Director

Western Regional Health Authority

Picture of Christopher Tufton

Dr. The Hon. Christopher Tufton, MP

Minister with Portfolio: Health and Wellness

Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOH)

Picture of Errol Greene

Mr Errol Greene, OD, JP

Permanent Secretary

Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOH)

Overview

The Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) is a statutory body of the Ministry of Health, established as part of the Health Sector reform through the National Health Services Act of 1997. Located in Jamaica’s western region, the WRHA serves four key parishes: Trelawny, St. James, Hanover, and Westmoreland.

The authority delivers healthcare through a comprehensive network of four hospitals and 84 health centers strategically positioned throughout the region. Its key hospitals include Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny, Noel Holmes Hospital in Hanover, and Savanna-la-Mar Hospital in Westmoreland. This extensive infrastructure ensures broad healthcare coverage for the western parishes.

Governed by a Board of Directors, the WRHA has distinguished itself as a leader in healthcare provision on the island. Its mission focuses on promoting the physical, mental, and social well-being of the region’s population, with a commitment to enhancing the quality of life through comprehensive and accessible healthcare services.  To achieve its mission, the staff and the Board of the SERHA must ensure there is robust corporate governance. Let’s see how they are doing!!

Key Compliance Results

Indicators

Findings

Board Composition

Board with requisite skills as per the Competency Profile

Chairperson is not sitting more than two consecutive terms

Chairperson that chairs no more than two other public boards

Board with a minimum of 30% male members

Board with a minimum of 30% female members

Current board retained at least 3 members or a third of previous board

Governance Structure

Board Charter (which includes conflict of interest provisions)

Non-Executive Independent Chair

Trained Corporate Secretary

Annual board training (in procurement, risk management, etc.)

Annual board evaluation

Board processes are executed (AGM, Annual Calenders, Meeting Frequency, Filings at Companies Office, etc.)

Board minutes are transmitted to the Permanent Secretary

Information & Disclosure policy

Audit and Internal Control

Internal auditor that reports to board through Audit Committee

Audit Committee with Terms of Reference

Audit Committee with three or more members including a qualified accountant/persons possessing expertise in finance

Audit Committee that does not include the Board Chair

Audit Committee that excludes the Procurement Committee Chair

Procurement Committee that rotates members every three years

Independent Chair of Procurement Committee (not chaired by Finance Director)

Board procedures in place regarding procurement oversight

Trained Procurement Committee

Annual Procurement Plan

Reporting and Compliance

Annual Report to the Responsible Minister submitted within 4 months of the end of the entity's financial year

Annual Board-Approved Corporate Plan in place by Nov 30 (must include strategic objectives, budget and work plan)

Annual Report tabled in Parliament within six (6) months of the entity's financial year

Minister issued Statement of Corporate Expectation to board

Chair and Responsible Minister met at least twice yearly to discuss Agency performance and emerging issues

Ethics and Behaviour

Corporate Social Responsibility Framework (including Donations Policy)

Code of Ethics with conflict-of-interest provisions

Staff that are trained in Code of Ethics

Whistle Blowing Policy

Enterprise Risk Management Policy

Indicators

Findings

here for default styles


$3 TRILLION+
not accounted for

HELP US HOLD OUR GOVERNMENT AND PARLIAMENT TO ACCOUNT!

Governance is too important to be left solely to our politicians. Send a letter to your MP and to the Parliament letting them know where you stand.

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By using our site you agree to accept these cookies. Read more about it here.