SXMElections.com

PHILIPSBURG – In line with SZV 3.0, the Health Department of SZV is one of the many departments within the organization that has been making structural changes towards improving the quality of service and customer satisfaction experience. With the introduction of a dedicated ABVZ team last summer, the department has been able to increase efficiency in processing requests from customers with special needs, and acquire exceptional long-term medical expenses.

Fritz Pantophlet, a well-known customer at SZV, was recently presented with a new custom-made wheelchair. Minister of Public Health Emil Lee together with Dr. Angel Pardo, and SZV representative Orianda Hoendervangers-Rojer, presented the chair to Pantophlet. Pantophlet’s wheelchair, although brand new, has a history of its own and is testament that healthcare is not as straight forward as many think. Pantophlet’s current healthcare needs stem from his spinal cord injury combined with a diabetic condition and weight management.

“I have known Fritz for several years and have shared in some of his ambitions, successes and frustrations. I am delighted that Fritz has finally received his long awaited wheelchair. It was so satisfying to see the joy and satisfaction in Fritz’s face as well as the face of his son. I am delighted to see that Fritz is enjoying the fruits of SZV’s new service program being implemented,” said Minister Lee.

The new wheelchair will make a significant impact in the quality of life for Pantophlet. The most important aspect of any wheelchair is appropriate seating that corrects what is possible and supports fixed deformities. Pantophlet’s new wheelchair has a custom foot-rest to support his windswept and fixed feet position. This allows for better weight distribution that will significantly reduce his current discomforts. It also has an open seat to back angle to support his current situation. His new wheelchair is completely modular and can change with him to always meet his needs.

“It’s been an honor to work with Fritz and provide him with a new wheelchair that has changed his outlook on life and allows him to commit to lifestyle changes. These changes will improve his health and serve as an example that investing in prevention will result in overall healthcare expenditures,” said Dr. Pardo, who is President of the DMR Corporation, the Miami-based corporation that supplied and custom-made the chair.

The acquisition of the chair was a collaborative effort between Pantophlet, SZV and the DMR Corporation. Each party played a significant role in the success of this milestone for Pantophlet. The process consisted of constant consultation, a weight management journey, evaluation and consultation on effective solutions for Pantophlet. Jamal, Pantophlet’s son, received hands-on training from Dr. Pardo on how to adjust the settings, and general maintenance of the wheelchair.

“Thanks Jehovah God for giving me the faith and courage through this long awaited custom wheel chair journey, and for my family and real special friends who believed in me, such as SOS Radio Station and crew, my friend for life Billy D and the White and Yellow Cross. I would like to also thank SZV for coordinating with Dr. Angel Pardo from the DMR Corporation in Miami, and to the entire St. Maarten and Anguilla community for their support and encouragement always,” stated Pantophlet.

In the past, SOS Radio launched a fundraising telethon to fund additional flights for supporting representatives who would join Pantophlet on a trip to Miami, Florida, for custom fitting for the wheelchair. Due to several unforeseen occasions where Pantophlet had to be hospitalized at the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), the original trip to Miami was cancelled. SZV and the DMR Corporation were able to arrange for Dr. Pardo to come to St. Maarten for the fitting and customization of the new wheelchair.

SZV continues its efforts to put the efficiency and the needs of its customers at the forefront. Without denying that there is room for improvement, the organization is taking the required steps to not only provide quality service, but through this also improve the quality of life of their customers.