The Department of Health Regulatory Services (DHRS) has appointed Mrs. Barrie Quappé as its first health practice and facilities inspector.
In taking on this new role, she will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive inspection program for all three islands’ healthcare facilities.
Her primary task will be to research and establish standards, policies and guidelines for health facilities to bring these in line with the country’s health practice legislation and registration regulations.
“We are extremely pleased with Mrs. Quappé’s appointment. As inspector she will play a vital role in ensuring continued and improved patient care for our residents,” DHRS Deputy Director Dr. Angella Glidden noted.
The department was formed in 2008 to streamline the administration of the Health Insurance and Health Practice commissions, and the health practice and facilities inspector will be responsible for Cayman’s health care facilities.
These premises, almost 60 in total, are inspected annually but some require more frequent assessments. In addition, there are close to 900 health care practitioners to monitor, Dr. Glidden explained.
“As a health care industry, all stakeholders and patients have a vested interest in maintaining and exceeding excellent standards of care. We have never had a health practice and facilities inspector before in the Cayman Islands and I am looking forward to this challenging position,” Mrs. Quappé said.
She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Miami in Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Viterbo University, Wisconsin.
While working as a nurse in the US, Mrs. Quappé gained inspection process experience under the US’ Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare. Following her return to Cayman she worked as a cardiovascular nursing specialist at the Cayman Islands Hospital, before a nursing supervisory stint with the Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital.
She has served on the Health Services Authority Board and the Nursing and Midwifery Council. She has also produced a self-help recording for managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and has worked as a reviewer for a medical encyclopaedia.
Most recently she served as an analyst for the Complaints Commissioner’s Office.
