Minister of Health, Dr. Christopher Tufton has expressed condolences on behalf of the team at the Ministry of Health to the family, friends and colleagues of Dr. Denise Duncan Goffe who passed away this morning at the University Hospital of the West Indies after a prolonged illness. She was diagnosed with Influenza A(H1N1), but also had other chronic medical illnesses.
“This is a difficult time for the entire team at the Ministry of Health. Dr. Goffe was more than a colleague, she was family having spent decades in the public health sector. Her achievements are many and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her on something that we are all passionate about – impacting the lives of the ordinary man through the provision of quality health care. It is never an easy thing to lose a loved one. We will lean on each other for support as we come to terms with this loss,” Dr. Tufton said.
Permanent Secretary, Dr. Kevin Harvey said over her years of service Dr. Goffe has made a tremendous contribution to the development of the health sector. He says she was instrumental in laying the foundation for the development of primary health care. “We will surely miss her. My prayers are with her family and the entire team at the Ministry of Health at this time.”
Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Winston De La Haye says the health sector has lost a true stalwart. “Dr. Goffe will be remembered for her enthusiasm and passion that was poured into her work. We are happy for every moment that we were able to share with her and will celebrate her life and achievements even as we mourn her passing”
Dr. Goffe worked in the public health sector for over 30 years. She retired in 2014 as Director, Health Service Planning and Integration in the Ministry of Health. She was later employed to the South East Regional Health Authority as Clinical Quality Assurance Officer.