Faced with questions about gaps in specialist care, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) on Friday defended the continuity of services at its haematology clinic, noting that there has been no significant disturbance to patient treatment, even as it scrambles to fill key vacancies.

Officials acknowledged that the sudden resignation and retirement of senior doctors had led to some clinic cancellations in recent weeks, but they insisted no patients were turned away and treatment for those with blood cancers and other serious disorders has continued without major disruptions. 

“There has been some sensationalism out there,” said Chief Operations Officer at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Dr Christine Greenidge, in a press briefing at the QEH boardroom. 

“Our job is to make sure that information currently and accurately reflects the efforts to keep this vulnerable population as safe as possible and to ensure their treatments are of the highest quality.”

Haematology deals with blood diseases such as leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, anaemia, and haemophilia. 

Patients typically attend the QEH clinic three times a week – twice for treatment and once for monitoring and medication management.

“These patients are a very vulnerable population,” said Dr Greenidge. 

“Our goal is to keep them healthy and preserve their life status.”

The COO noted that the departures were unexpected, but swift steps were taken to avoid service gaps.

“Immediately, all efforts were focused on ensuring that the continuity of care would not miss a beat,” she said. 

“We ensured cross-coverage to meet the needs of this patient population, and our clinics have continued successively over the last three weeks.”

Officials revealed that the hospital is now in the final stages of hiring new haematologists, with Dr Greenidge stating that most of the recruits – including junior and consultant-level staff – are expected to be in place by the first or second week of August.

Acting Director of Medical Services Dr John Gill further confirmed the strain on the clinic, noting: “It is now well known that the haematology clinic has suffered some punctuations in its functions.

“We’ve had a few cancellations because of the retirement and resignation of the senior medical staff,” he added. 

Remaining doctors within the QEH, along with volunteers, have helped to keep the clinic running in the interim, said Dr Gill.

“I must commend those who volunteered and the Department of Medicine for readily assisting us to convene the clinic on a weekly basis,” he said.

The acting director told reporters that the QEH is also looking regionally, tapping into the University of the West Indies’ network for help. 

Two graduates of the UWI Mona’s postgraduate haematology programme have been interviewed for consultant roles, with one expected to begin work shortly. 

A retired specialist has also come on board temporarily.

QEH is additionally working to contract local private haematologists for specific cases, he said, adding that it remains open to referring patients overseas if necessary.

“Our aim is no one who requires specialist attention should go unserved,” said Dr Gill. 

“Where it’s within the hospital’s capacity to seek these services, either directly or by sending the patient abroad, that’s what will be done.” (SM)

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A senior ambulance official has defended Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) emergency crews after public criticism of an apparent delay in rushing a young motorcyclist to hospital, insisting that stabilising patients at the roadside now takes priority over speed.

Senior ambulance officer Trevor Bynoe stressed that what bystanders saw as a delay was in fact adherence to essential on-scene treatment protocols rather.

Responding to criticism after a serious collision on Baxters Road involving a young motorcyclist, Bynoe said what looked like inaction was actually a full patient assessment and stabilisation at the roadside.

“Pre-hospital emergency care doesn’t start when the ambulance pulls up, it begins with dispatch,” Bynoe explained to journalists at a press briefing on Friday.

“Our dispatchers ask scripted questions so that by the time we’re en route, EMTs and paramedics already have a mental picture of what they’re going into.”

Bynoe referred to concerns from onlookers, who said the injured man remained in the ambulance for what seemed an extended period before being taken to hospital. Bystanders questioned why he was not immediately rushed away, but Bynoe said that notion is outdated.

“Once upon a time it was all about speed. Now, it’s about treatment, care, and getting there safely,” he said.

“We don’t do ‘load and go’ anymore. That was over 40 years ago when [EMTs] had no formal training.”

“It’s not about delay, it’s about doing a full assessment before moving the patient. That includes spine, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis. If you miss one thing, it can be detrimental.”

The crew on scene consisted of EMTs who are trained to conduct thorough examinations, administer oxygen, dress wounds and stabilise injuries prior to moving a patient.

Paramedics, where available, can conduct more invasive procedures, such as treating cardiac conditions, starting intravenous feeds (IVs) and assisting diabetics.

Bynoe noted that in this case, the patient had abrasions.

“So they dressed all [the wounds], and then they communicated to [Accident & Emergency] so that staff there would know what to expect…,” he said.

He also stressed that every scene begins with a safety survey, both for the crew and the patient.

The QEH’s Chief Operations Officer Christine Greenidge added that much of the misunderstanding stems from the public not being familiar with how emergency services prioritise treatment.

“It’s not understood by the general public. It’s the whole idea of triaging,” she said.

“There’s going to be certain levels of priorities and that process of triaging allows the medical practitioner to discern whether your injuries are life or death and you become priority.”

Bynoe acknowledged that public perception has not caught up with the realities of modern emergency care.

“People think we just throw the person in and go. No. That was before 1984. Today, EMTs are trained in CPR [cardio-pulmonary resuscitation], oxygen delivery, even childbirth,” he said.

“And our teams work hard to constantly improve the service.”

He also revealed that the hospital has implemented speed caps on ambulances in the interest of safety.

“At a certain speed, say 100 kilometres, the vehicle gives an alert. If it’s exceeded for a justified reason, I’m alerted, and I review it. But there’s a cap. It’s not all about speed anymore.”

Hospital officials urged the public and media not to rush to judgement or portray emergency crews unfairly.

“Sometimes the environment is hazardous. Sometimes the patient is unstable. The goal is to treat, not just to move fast,” Bynoe said.

“There’s a reason we ask questions, assess on scene, and communicate clearly with A&E.”

The condition of the motorcyclist injured in the Baxters Road collision was not revealed up to the time of publication. Police investigations into the crash are ongoing. 

shannamoore@barbadostoday.bb

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The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) is set to begin delivering advanced cancer treatment on its long-awaited linear accelerator as early as September, senior officials confirmed on Friday.

Corey Drakes, project coordinator and QEH physicist, said the installation of the state-of-the-art radiotherapy machine is scheduled for mid-August.

“We can expect a final site visit at the end of July. After that, once everything is satisfactory, we will proceed with the rigging and installation. That’s scheduled to take place in the middle of August, and we can expect our first treatment somewhere between mid to late September 2025,” Drakes told a media briefing at the hospital’s boardroom.

Chief Executive Officer Neil Clark acknowledged recent public concern over delays in the project and explained that the hospital intentionally imported the equipment early to avoid shipping and customs delays, while site preparations were still underway.

“Progress has been impacted by two key factors… the extended timeline associated with the procurement of the necessary civil works [and] the structural and remedial works required to house and operate the machine have also taken longer than anticipated,” he said.

“These works are complex and involve specialised engineering and different subcontractors to ensure compliance with international safety and performance standards for radiotherapy equipment.”

Clark stressed that the delays were not due to inaction but rather a deliberate effort to ensure the facility meets global best practices.

The CEO said the QEH has continued to support cancer patients through overseas treatment arrangements in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, “ensuring no one is left without care”.

“When operational, this linear accelerator will significantly expand our capacity to deliver high-quality cancer care right here in Barbados,” he added.

The officials reported that 99 per cent of the civil works are complete and preparations for installation are in their final stages.
Once operational, the linear accelerator will mark a major milestone in Barbados’ cancer treatment infrastructure. (SM)

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The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Friday announced a successful collaboration with internationally renowned corneal surgeon, Dr. Lloyd Williams of Duke University, North Carolina, USA. Dr. Williams arrived in Guyana on July 13, 2025, and is performing corneal transplant surgeries while training and tutoring local eye surgeons as part of a three-day mission, the ...

View the full post UNICEF: Understanding public attitudes towards new childhood vaccines in Grenada on NOW Grenada.

President Donald Trump was examined for swelling in his legs and has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, the White House announced Thursday.

Trump, 79, underwent a “comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies” with the White House Medical Unit, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, reading a note from the president’s physician, Capt. Sean Barbabella.

Barbabella’s letter, which was later released by the White House, states that “bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.”

The examination came after Trump had “noted mild swelling in his lower legs” over recent weeks, Leavitt said.

“Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or arterial disease” and Trump’s lab testing was all “within normal limits,” according to the letter. Trump also underwent an echocardiogram. “No signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness were identified,” Barbabella wrote.

Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition in which valves inside certain veins don’t work the way they should, which can allow blood to pool or collect in the veins. About 150,000 people are diagnosed with it each year, and the risk goes up with age. Symptoms can include swelling in the lower legs or ankles, aching or cramping in the legs, varicose veins, pain or skin changes. Treatment may involve medication or, in later stages, medical procedures.

“It’s basically not alarming information, and it’s not surprising,” Dr. Jeremy Faust, an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Harvard Medical School, told CNN.

“This is a pretty normal part of aging, and especially for someone in the overweight to obese category, which is where the president has always been. But the bigger concern … is that symptoms like this do need to be evaluated for more serious conditions, and that is what happened.”

Chronic venous insufficiency can be related to conditions like increased pressure from the heart or sleep apnea, cardiologist Dr. Bernard Ashby told CNN.

“Even though he’s diagnosed with a benign condition, venous insufficiency, by itself doesn’t necessarily mean it’s benign. The question is, what’s causing the venous insufficiency? And so I would want to know whether or not he has any evidence of, again, increased pressures in the heart or increased pressures in the lungs, which can be contributing to that, and if so, what is the primary cause of that?”

Trump’s doctors were “covering all their bases” by screening him for heart failure, increased pressure and other conditions, he said.

Age, obesity and inactivity can all lead to the condition. “If a person is older, a person is overweight, a person is not engaging in regular physical activity or exercise, if a person is sitting or standing for prolonged amounts of time, you can get chronic venous insufficiency,” Dr. Chris Pernell told CNN.

“And while it is not life-threatening, it can be debilitating,” she added.

Leavitt later added that the president was experiencing “no discomfort.”

The press secretary also addressed bruising that has appeared on the back of the president’s hand, which she attributed to his “frequent handshaking,” plus his use of aspirin.

“This is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen,” Barbabella’s letter says.

The letter concludes that “President Trump remains in excellent health.”

Trump will become the nation’s oldest president during his second term.

SOURCE : CNN

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Beyond the cancer risks of old oil, fried foods themselves can lead to a range of health issues, all of which negatively impact health over time

View the full post GFNC: Cooking in old oil is associated with many cancers on NOW Grenada.

View the full post Government seeks to reduce age to access sexual and reproductive health treatment on NOW Grenada.

Santo Domingo.- Wellness tourism has become a key growth driver for the hotel industry, with the Global Wellness Institute projecting it will reach US$1.3 trillion by 2025—nearly double the growth of traditional tourism. In this context, the Dominican Republic is positioning itself as a regional leader in healthy and sustainable hospitality, supported by its natural assets, strong medical and tourism infrastructure, and public policies like Decree 787-21, which declares health tourism a national interest.

Hyatt Inclusive Collection is leading this shift with offerings centered on holistic well-being. Its resorts across the country provide yoga and meditation classes, healthy dining options, sound therapy, spa treatments, and fitness programs. Initiatives like the Peloton partnership and the Mind, Body + Sol retreat at Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana highlight a modern approach to travel that prioritizes balance, health, and connection with nature.

With three new resorts—Secrets Playa Esmeralda, Dreams Playa Esmeralda, and Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana—set to open, Hyatt aims to lead a new model of tourism that blends health, sustainability, and innovation. The company plans to explore partnerships with local health experts and providers to expand into more specialized wellness services, positioning the Dominican Republic as a top destination for wellness and health-focused hospitality.

Eight babies have been born in the UK using genetic material from three people to prevent devastating and often fatal conditions, doctors say.

The method, pioneered by UK scientists, combines the egg and sperm from a mum and dad with a second egg from a donor woman.

The technique has been legal here for a decade but we now have the first proof it is leading to children born free of incurable mitochondrial disease.

These conditions are normally passed from mother to child, starving the body of energy.

This can cause severe disability and some babies die within days of being born. Couples know they are at risk if previous children, family members or the mother has been affected.

Children born through the three-person technique inherit most of their DNA, their genetic blueprint, from their parents, but also get a tiny amount, about 0.1%, from the second woman. This is a change that is passed down the generations.

None of the families who have been through the process are speaking publicly to protect their privacy, but have issued anonymous statements through the Newcastle Fertility Centre where the procedures took place.

‘Overwhelmed with gratitude’

“After years of uncertainty this treatment gave us hope – and then it gave us our baby,” said the mother of a baby girl.

“We look at them now, full of life and possibility, and we’re overwhelmed with gratitude.”

The mother of a baby boy added: “Thanks to this incredible advancement and the support we received, our little family is complete.

“The emotional burden of mitochondrial disease has been lifted, and in its place is hope, joy, and deep gratitude.”

Mitochondria are tiny structures inside nearly every one of our cells. They are the reason we breathe as they use oxygen to convert food into the form of energy our bodies use as fuel.

Defective mitochondria can leave the body with insufficient energy to keep the heart beating as well as causing brain damage, seizures, blindness, muscle weakness and organ failure.

About one in 5,000 babies are born with mitochondrial disease. The team in Newcastle anticipate there is demand for 20 to 30 babies born through the three-person method each year.

Some parents have faced the agony of having multiple children die from these diseases.

Mitochondria are passed down only from mother to child. So this pioneering fertility technique uses both parents and a woman who donates her healthy mitochondria.

The science was developed more than a decade ago at Newcastle University and the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and a specialist service opened within the NHS in 2017.

The eggs from both the mother and the donor are fertilised in the lab with the dad’s sperm.

The embryos develop until the DNA from the sperm and egg form a pair of structures called the pro-nuclei. These contain the blueprints for building the human body, such as hair colour and height.

The pro-nuclei are removed from both embryos and the parents’ DNA is put inside the embryo packed with healthy mitochondria.

The resulting child is genetically related to their parents, but should be free from mitochondrial disease.

A pair of reports, in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed 22 families have gone through the process at the Newcastle Fertility Centre.

It led to four boys and four girls, including one pair of twins, and one ongoing pregnancy.

“To see the relief and joy in the faces of the parents of these babies after such a long wait and fear of consequences, it’s brilliant to be able to see these babies alive, thriving and developing normally,” Prof Bobby McFarland, the director of the NHS Highly Specialised Service for Rare Mitochondrial Disorders told the BBC.

All of the babies were born free of mitochondrial disease and met their expected developmental milestones.

There was a case of epilepsy, which cleared up by itself and one child has an abnormal heart rhythm which is being successfully treated.

These are not thought to be connected to defective mitochondria. It is not known whether this is part of the known risks of IVF, something specific to the three-person method or something that has been detected only because the health of all babies born through this technique is monitored intensely.

Another key question hanging over the approach has been whether defective mitochondria would be transferred into the healthy embryo and what the consequences could be.

The results show that in five cases the diseased mitochondria were undetectable. In the other three, between 5% and 20% of mitochondria were defective in blood and urine samples.

This is below the 80% level thought to cause disease. It will take further work to understand why this occurred and if it can be prevented.

Prof Mary Herbert, from Newcastle University and Monash University, said: “The findings give grounds for optimism. However, research to better understand the limitations of mitochondrial donation technologies, will be essential to further improve treatment outcomes.”

The breakthrough gives hope to the Kitto family.

Kat’s youngest daughter Poppy, 14, has the disease. Her eldest Lily, 16, may pass it onto her children.

Poppy is in a wheelchair, is non-verbal and is fed through a tube.

“It’s impacted a huge part of her life,” says Kat, “we have a lovely time as she is, but there are the moments where you realize how devastating mitochondrial disease is”.

Despite decades of work there is still no cure for mitochondrial disease, but the chance to prevent it being passed on gives hope to Lily.

“It’s the future generations like myself, or my children, or my cousins, who can have that outlook of a normal life,” she says.

‘Only the UK could do this’

The UK not only developed the science of three-person babies, but it also became the first country in the world to introduce laws to allow their creation after a vote in Parliament in 2015.

There was controversy as mitochondria have DNA of their own, which controls how they function.

It means the children have inherited DNA from their parents and around 0.1% from the donor woman.

Any girls born through this technique would pass this onto their own children, so it is a permanent alteration of human genetic inheritance.

This was a step too far for some when the technology was debated, raising fears it would open the doors to genetically-modified “designer” babies.

Prof Sir Doug Turnbull, from Newcastle University, told me: “I think this is the only place in the world this could have happened, there’s been first class science to get us to where we are, there been legislation to allow it to move into clinical treatment, the NHS to help support it and now we’ve got eight children that seem to free of mitochondrial disease, what a wonderful result.”

Liz Curtis, the founder of the Lily Foundation charity said: “After years of waiting, we now know that eight babies have been born using this technique, all showing no signs of mito.

“For many affected families, it’s the first real hope of breaking the cycle of this inherited condition.”

SOURCE: BBC

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