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 our customers with special needs and acquire exceptional long-term medical expenses.
Fritz Pantophlet, a well-known customer at SZV has recently been presented with a brand 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 new wheelchair, although brand new, has a history of its own and is a testament that healthcare is not always as straight forward as many consider it to be. 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." – Emil Lee, Minister of Public Health
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 custom footrest 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 investing in prevention will result in overall healthcare expenditures.“ – Dr. Angel Pardo, President of The DMR Corporation
The acquisition of the chair was a collaborative effort between Pantophlet, SZV and The DMR Corporation, the Miami based corporation who supplied and custom made the chair. 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 Mr. Angel Pardo from The DMR Corporation in Miami and to the entire St. Maarten and Anguilla community for their support and encouragement always.” – Fritz Pantophlet
In the past S.O.S. Radio launched a fundraising telethon for the funds of additional flights of supporting representatives that would join Pantophlet on a trip to Miami for custom fitting for the wheelchair. Due to several unforeseen occasions where Pantophlet had to be hospitalized in the SMMC, the original trip to Miami got cancelled. SZV and The DMR Corporation was able to arrange that Dr. Pardo came to St.Maarten for the fitting and customization of the new wheelchair.
Social & Health Insurances SZV continues its efforts to put the efficiency and the needs of its customers in the forefront. Without denying that there is room for improvement, the organization is making the required steps to not only provide quality service but through this also improve the quality of life of their customers.
