The island has embarked on its first health workforce planning strategy, following a seminar on the topic held earlier in the week.

Representatives from the Pan American Health Organisation attended as special guest speakers: Dr Noreen Jack and Dr Hedwig Goede.

The talks, hosted by Argus, drew representatives from across the private and public sectors, aimed at drawing up “a guidance document for future workforce planning”, according to a ministry of health spokeswoman.

The community’s future needs will be set by changing disease patterns and the ageing of the population, health minister Jeanne Atherden said — particularly chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, and the increasing prevalence of conditions such as dementia as residents’ lifespans increase.

“As a health system, we have a tall task ahead,” Ms Atherden added.

She said that input had been sought from the Department of Immigration as well as Workforce Development, to begin developing a strategy for “future health workforce needs”.