26/02/2026
𝐒𝐢𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞: 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐏𝐇𝐂
At the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), few individuals embody service as quietly and consistently as Patient Advocate Andre Fortune.
For 16 years in the role and two years beforehand as a volunteer, Andre has dedicated his life to being a steady voice for patients, relatives, and visitors navigating the hospital system. A self-described quiet and humble person who always wears a smile, he has become a reassuring presence in moments when families feel overwhelmed, anxious, or uncertain.
His daily work involves listening, whether through responding to phone calls, WhatsApp messages, or meeting individuals face-to-face, ensuring that every concern is acknowledged and addressed. Central to his responsibilities is protecting patients’ rights and ensuring that everyone entering GPHC has a voice and access to support across departments.
Known for his strong communication skills and ability to speak the “common man’s language,” including Creole and everyday expressions, Andre bridges gaps that might otherwise cause frustration or misunderstanding.
He approaches each matter with fairness, remaining open and unbiased while listening to both sides and respecting everyone’s right to be heard. The most common concerns raised include long waiting times, difficulty locating patients, and issues regarding how individuals are treated. However, through his deep knowledge of the hospital’s systems and procedures, he calmly investigates and strives for resolution.
Over the years, he has resolved hundreds of situations, including one where a distressed mother believed her son had been left in severe pain. However, Andre’s intervention revealed that the patient had been discharged hours earlier, and the prescription provided had not been filled because it was mistaken for an unimportant piece of paper, a misunderstanding that was quickly clarified and resolved.
Beyond problem-solving, Andre offers counselling, compassion, and empathy to families during some of their most difficult moments, maintaining a calm, hands-on approach even in emotionally charged situations.
His inspiration stems from his late mother, Celene Fortune, who taught him the importance of caring for humanity and listening to everyone’s story, even those who may seem difficult. What continues to motivate him after nearly twenty years is the simple gratitude of someone saying, “Thank you, you helped me when I was really down.”
For Andre Fortune, the greatest reward is knowing he has served thousands of patients and their families, living each day in genuine service to humanity and standing as a quiet but powerful pillar within GPHC.
