The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) is accusing health officials of understating the severity of a scabies outbreak at the Geriatric Hospital.

Speaking during a press conference earlier this afternoon, DLP spokesperson on Health and Wellness, Senator Andre Worrell, claimed that at least 24 patients and six nurses have been affected, which is significantly more than the nine cases confirmed by the Ministry of Health earlier this week.

He is calling for the outbreak to be declared a national health emergency, highlighting ongoing staff illness, a lack of basic supplies, and worsening conditions that, according to him, could lead to wider community spread if not urgently addressed.

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Barbados’ top public health official has moved to reassure the public amid the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, emphasising that while the strain is spreading more rapidly, it does not appear to cause more severe illness than earlier versions of the virus.

Senior Medical Officer of Health Dr Leslie Rollock said a newly detected COVID-19 variant is more transmissible but does not appear to be more severe.

In a press briefing at the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) regional headquarters on Dayrells Road, Dr Rollock provided an update on the nature of the evolving coronavirus strain and its potential impact locally.

She said: “As you would be aware, the coronavirus that caused COVID-19 is continually changing. It is becoming more and more transmissible, easier to pass from person to person. This new variant that has been discovered is, of course, more transmissible, but in itself it is not more virulent.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated the new strain, NB.1.8.1, as a ‘variant under monitoring’ amid concern about the sharp rise in cases.

Dr Rollock explained that while the virus is spreading more easily, especially in the United States—a major source market for Barbados—the illness it causes is not necessarily more dangerous than previous variants such as Delta. However, she warned that because more people are likely to contract it, those who are medically vulnerable remain at greater risk of severe outcomes such as hospitalisation.

“It’s not because of the virulence of the virus; it’s because of the state of the person who would have got it,” she explained.

The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring developments abroad, especially in countries with high travel volumes into Barbados, particularly during the summer season, she said. Given the uptick in cases in the US, health authorities expect that this new strain could eventually reach Barbados.

Dr Rollock said: “For the average person, it is not an issue, but what we usually advise is that those who are more vulnerable—if you have a vulnerable person in your house and you have a cough, cold, runny nose—when you have interactions with them, you wear a mask. When you’re going out and you don’t know who you’re going to meet, you try to do your normal cough etiquette: cover your coughs and your sneezes, wash your hands and keep your unwashed hands from your eyes, your nose and your mouth.

“This new virus by itself is not an issue because it is not as virulent as Delta was. It’s coming down to the point that it might be for us like the common cold, but you know the common cold can cause severe disease in those who are vulnerable. So that’s where we are at with respect to this new variant.” (SB)

What we know about 

the new COVID-19 variant

• The WHO has classified NB.1.8.1 as a “variant under monitoring” as of May 23. This indicates that the variant is being closely observed due to concerns about increased transmissibility and potential impact on health systems.

• It is showing signs of increased transmissibility.

• Over 91 000 COVID-19 cases were reported globally between April 14 and May 11.

• The variant has already been detected in 22 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America.

• Some regions are seeing rising hospital admissions.

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A scabies outbreak at the Geriatric Hospital has prompted public health authorities to review infection prevention protocols at the facility, particularly as it prepares to transition to a new location at Waterford.

Confirmation of the scabies diagnosis among elderly patients and the actions taken by health officials came on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) headquarters on Dayrells Road, where Chief Medical Officer Dr Kenneth George, flanked by health officials, told journalists that although uncomfortable, scabies poses no major public health threat.

A team from the Ministry of Health had visited the Beckles Road, St Michael hospital on Monday and found that nine patients examined by a dermatologist were diagnosed with partially treated scabies, Dr George confirmed.

Scabies, a skin infection caused by mites burrowing into the skin, leads to intense itching and can spread through close contact. While not considered a disease of serious public health significance, Dr George acknowledged that it can be intensely uncomfortable for affected individuals.

“I must be clear, scabies is not a disease of public health significance,” he said. “However, it is very uncomfortable, it is very itchy, and it can spread. This is not the first time we have had scabies in the Geriatric Hospital, and as I have said from time to time, the patient population at the Geriatric Hospital is indeed susceptible—they are a vulnerable population.”

This outbreak follows a previous announcement last week in which health officials acknowledged reports of an unusual skin condition affecting patients at the facility. Since then, the ministry has been quietly investigating the situation. Dr George noted that the issue gained attention after a staff member was diagnosed with scabies.

“There was a staff member who went to a private sector doctor, and he diagnosed her with scabies. That led to red flags on our end,” he said. “The public needs to know that we will get over this. This is not a cause for major concern or uncertainty. What we need to do is to make sure that we can contain it. We understand what the situation is; treatment has been instituted. It’s a single-dose treatment which may be repeated at another time. The single-dose treatment—we have two options, and we are exploring those options.”

Alvin Hart, the Geriatric Hospital’s infection prevention and control officer, stressed that protocols at the facility were being reviewed in the wake of the outbreak, particularly as the hospital prepares for the transfer to the new facility at Waterford.

“We are looking at all of our protocols, the training of our staff, we are exposing more staff to a lot of these things because, as healthcare workers, we can’t run from these things,” he said. “These things will happen. We had COVID-19 and we recovered from it, and this is in no way comparable to what COVID-19 was. We will continue to ensure that supplies are there; only yesterday I was told that one of our suppliers is extending a hand in donating some items to the hospital as well.”

Hart also acknowledged the challenges in identifying the initial source of the outbreak, given that scabies can remain asymptomatic for up to six weeks, allowing silent transmission. He added that supplies are being maintained and even bolstered, with one supplier offering to donate essential items to assist in the hospital’s response.

Consultant at the Geriatric Hospital, Dr Shayna Parris, stressed that the treatment currently being given to patients and staff affected is working: “Those who have already received treatment have reported that they have already had a significant reduction in the itching that is associated with scabies, and that is reassuring to us. Additional treatments have been prescribed at the recommendation of the dermatologist to alleviate this itching even further.”

Dr Parris added: “It can persist for a period of up to six weeks, so we do expect that some patients may have a protracted course; however, we will do everything we can to support them through this process.” (SB)

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Health officials have neither confirmed nor denied reports that scabies is behind the outbreak of a contagious skin condition affecting patients at the Geriatric Hospital, as frontline staff await definitive answers.

However, Chief Medical Officer Dr Kenneth George has confirmed that it is “a dermatological condition”.

A private dermatologist conducted an in-depth assessment of affected patients at the Beckles Road, St Michael, facility on Monday, in an effort to identify the cause of the outbreak.

“Well, I can’t confirm,” Dr George told Barbados TODAY in an interview on Monday regarding the speculation about a scabies diagnosis. “What I would say is that the dermatologist will come in to see the patients today. And I believe that, in the interest of [the public], I think we need to wait and see what that [the skin condition] is. That is what I could say at this time—that it is a dermatological condition and we are getting an expert to come in and make a determination.”

Asked whether the situation was under control, he replied: “Yes, I’m meeting with the team today. If I have more information I will share. We have had this before . . . . People could say what they want to say. We have had outbreaks in the Geriatric [Hospital] before; we tried to contain it as quickly as possible.

“But it’s not something that I’m going to lose sleepless nights over because we’re going to sort it out. I said a week to ten days [in terms of updating the public] and I stand by what I said.”

Last Friday, the Ministry of Health confirmed that nine patients were being treated for a skin condition associated with an infectious outbreak at the hospital. According to a press release, treatment has also begun for staff members exhibiting “unusual symptoms”.

The ministry stated that it had activated its National Infection Prevention and Control Plan across all geriatric institutions on the island as a precaution, while suspending public visits to Units 1 and 2 of the hospital until further notice.

Although officials have yet to formally identify the disease, a well-placed source connected to the hospital said that the condition is believed to be scabies, and that patients received treatment over the weekend.

Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by infestation with the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, a microscopic parasite that burrows into the skin to lay eggs. The infestation triggers an allergic reaction in the host, leading to intense itching and a pimple-like rash. The condition spreads most commonly through prolonged direct contact and is particularly prevalent in settings such as nursing homes, where close contact and shared spaces are unavoidable. 

(SZB)

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The Ministry of Health and Wellness is currently investigating suspected cases of an infectious skin disease in a section of the Geriatric Hospital.

It said in a statement that it is using all available resources at its disposal, both within the public and private sectors to identify, treat and eradicate the problem at the Beckles Road, St Michael facility.

To contain any spread, the ministry has suspended visiting by members of the public to Units 1 and 2 of the hospital until further notice.

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For the first time in its 21-year history, athletes in the Barbados National Senior Games will not only be competing for personal glory, they will also be carrying the pride of their constituencies.

As the 2025 edition of the Games launched on Saturday with a colourful motorcade through Bridgetown, competitors beamed with excitement at the chance to represent their home communities on the national stage, adding a fresh layer of purpose and rivalry to the long-standing celebration of active ageing.

Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, said remaining active is key to maintaining good health.

“As you know, Barbados is an ageing society. We believe that if you are active, you live longer and live better and that is what the Senior Games are about,” he told the crowd gathered at Golden Square Freedom Park. “From the very beginning, that was the idea behind the Games.”

Opening with a motorcade that departed from Pelican Village, the convoy which included energetic cheerleaders, athletes, and representatives from participating sporting bodies, made their way through the streets of Bridgetown before arriving at Golden Square Freedom Park.

A standout moment during the 30-minute movement session led by fitness instructor Spinny came when he invited 71-year-old attendee Audrey Archer on stage for the “Follow my Lead” segment. Rising to the occasion, Archer demonstrated that age is truly just a number as she displayed her dance skills to Quan De Artist’s Crop Over tune Waistline.

Members of the National Assistance Board Unity Dancers further energised the atmosphere, skilfully incorporating fans into their line dancing routine and drawing cheers from the crowd. Entertainment was also provided by RPB and TC who maintained the party vibe.

More than 300 participants have registered so far, with athletes expected from Brazil, the United States, Trinidad, and St Lucia.

Coordinator Ytannia Wiggins, told Barbados TODAY, “For the National Senior Games this year, this portion of the year we have dedicated it to track and field events. On May 31, it is going to be the field events, held at Queens College, and that is going to be all throws.”

This will be followed by the road race on June 1 with cycling, walking, running and for the first time the skating community will be participating.  This event will take place at 6 a.m. on the Mighty Grynner Highway.

The marquee event, which will see the athletes hitting the track, will be held on June 9th at the Usain Bolt Complex.

Registration remains open and can be completed online. (STT)

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A spike in violent crime, including a record number of gun-related deaths, is overwhelming the Accident & Emergency (A&E) Department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), with senior officials warning that the toll on staff and resources is becoming unsustainable.

The violence is disrupting operations and traumatising frontline healthcare workers, said CEO Neil Clark, describing the effects of the unseen toll of criminal violence on public health infrastructure as far-reaching and deeply felt within the hospital.

“Absolutely. It has a major impact on the QEH,” he said. “The staff clearly will treat anybody who comes in, but having to treat somebody who’s coming with gunshots is not only slowing down everybody else who’s coming without the gunshots, it slows down the whole department and the department moves into lockdown.”

As of Wednesday, Barbados had recorded 17 gun-related deaths.

Clark stressed that while A&E staff remain committed, fear and psychological distress have become routine parts of their job.

“There’s also a fear amongst the staff that that might continue into the department. So they’re treating people and being nervous at the same time,” he said. “Our security team is excellent… but sometimes those injuries are horrific and that has its toll… especially as a child [is] involved in a shooting.”

The emotional burden, the hospital boss added, is compounded by the sheer unpredictability and scale of trauma cases staff must face.

“They’ve got the normal, mild conditions of people turning up with mild illnesses or they’ve twisted their wrist, and then the next minute they’ve got a multiple shooting coming in… and then after that they’re supposed to go back to work normally,” he pointed out.

He called on the public to show greater empathy and understanding, noting that frustration over long wait times should not be directed at individual nurses or doctors.

“They’re doing their best,” he said. “We have to take our hats off to those people who work in A&E and do this day in, day out.”

Director of Nursing Services Henderson Pinder added that the psychological cost of repeated exposure to violent trauma is mounting across departments.

“These are psychologically hurtful incidents… and they do have an effect on not only nurses, [but] all the staff,” Pinder explained. “We have what we call a huddle after these incidents… but in most instances, it’s more than that. So we need to have outside counsellors and bereavement persons come in to help staff work through this.”

Beyond the emotional fallout, Pinder said that violence consumes precious human and material resources: “We have to use a lot of individuals, specialists, doctors… and we as a small country can ill afford to be using so much resources. It would be better if we could cut out the violence and live as a peaceful nation.”

He also flagged ongoing concerns about security, with fears of retaliation even when patients are hospitalised.

“When they get on the ward there’s always the fear of retaliation… so it places additional strain on our security personnel and puts our nurses… always having to quell these disputes,” Pinder noted.

Clark said the QEH has mental health support in place but recognises the need to scale it up.

“We already have counselling support available for all staff… and we’re hoping to expand that as part of the QEH strategy,” he said. “We’re even looking at mental health first aid training.”

The CEO highlighted a gap in national preparedness around recognising and addressing stress and anxiety, saying: “A lot of people suffer silently… and we have to look after our own staff and each other.”

Speaking more broadly about the A&E, Clarke said the hospital is making progress on a systemic redesign of its A&E Department to ease bottlenecks and improve overall patient care.

“We’re about a quarter of the way through a redesign of our A&E flow,” he said. “It’s not just about the A&E Department… it becomes the bottleneck for the whole healthcare system.”

Clark explained that improving patient flow requires action at every level – from the triage process to diagnostics, ward admissions, and discharges.

“Everybody who arrives at the A&E should be triaged within 15 minutes by a nurse… if not, there’s an escalation process,” he said. 

The hospital CEO admitted that delays persist but insisted patients are not neglected once they enter the system.

“They may be in A&E for two days but they’re still under the care of the specialist doctor,” he said. “It’s no different than if they were on the ward…, but I accept it’s not the right place for that treatment to be taking place, and we hope to change that in the near future.” 

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb

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The healthcare system is risking collapse unless urgent investment is made in its nursing workforce, the director of nursing services at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has warned, highlighting chronic understaffing, unsafe working conditions, and high rates of migration among nurses as key threats.

Addressing the Barbados Nurses Association’s (BNA) Nurses Week seminar at the Barbados Beach Club on Wednesday, Henderson Pinder issued a call to policymakers, unions, and national leaders to act decisively, saying the nursing sector is “in the midst of an unprecedented crisis”.

“You may realise that even when strained and under-resourced and under pressure, our nurses are making a huge impact,” Pinder told attendees. “But the Barbados nursing workforce is under threat-from chronic understaffing, unsafe work conditions, and an alarming rate of migration by skilled professionals.”

The 2025 theme, Our Nurses. Our Future. The Economic Power of Care, selected by the International Council of Nurses (ICN), served as the backdrop for a wide-ranging and impassioned address that touched on Barbados’ public health vulnerabilities, workforce policy failures, and the undervaluing of the nursing profession.

“I see a bright future,” said Pinder, “but we must take action to diminish the threats to safe, supported and healthy work conditions that will attract future nurses and retain dedicated nurses who are the key to providing better health and causing a thriving society.”

Pinder argued that strategic investment in nursing could be transformative — not just for healthcare, but for the country’s economy. Citing global data, he noted that poor workforce health can carry enormous economic costs, while effective investment in employee wellbeing yields returns as high as US$11.7 trillion ($23.4 trillion), according to the McKinsey Health Institute.

“Nurses are the most valuable assets in our healthcare system,” he said. “We are the heart of care. Caring for our nurses is a wise investment in the health and the wellbeing of our nation.”

But, he warned that Barbados has been slow to take meaningful action.

Attendees at the Barbados Nurses Association’s (BNA) Nurses Week seminar. (SZB)

“We’ve analysed the problem, however we have not tackled the problem. We have implemented short-term fixes or we have thrown money at the problem, but the problem continues.”

While acknowledging some progress in nurse-led care models, such as diabetic and skin integrity clinics at the QEH, Pinder said these successes were not enough to offset the broader failings of the system.

“As a country, we have not properly managed our health workforce,” he said. “We continue to make decisions that undervalue and undermine nurses.”

Beyond staffing and compensation, the nursing director highlighted disturbing trends of workplace violence and burnout, especially against female nurses, who make up 87 per cent of the workforce.

“Nurses face an escalating threat to their safety, particularly from workplace violence,” he said, referencing both patient aggression and conflicts with co-workers. “But what is worrying-some nurses also reported that unfortunately they face violence from co-workers.”

He urged nurses not to remain silent: “I wish to encourage you, all of you, not to normalise violence… Every time it happens, report.”

The cumulative pressures of the profession-coupled with stagnant salaries and limited career progression-are fuelling attrition and deterring future entrants, he said.

“We are failing to face and address the core issues that are driving experienced nurses to leave the profession and deter new nurses from joining the workforce.”

Drawing from recent ICN research by the Rosemary Bryant Research Centre, Pinder cited a global shortfall of over nine million nurses and called for structural reform, both internationally and at home.

“To bring the situation under control, we need another 30 million healthcare workers globally. Barbados must do its part,” he stressed.

He also took aim at the overreliance on short-term fixes such as international recruitment and the task-shifting of responsibilities to less skilled workers.

“In many instances, this fails to address the cause of nurse retention and recruitment-and in some cases, is actually worsening the problem.”

Instead, Pinder proposed strengthening the national nursing pipeline, beginning with the Barbados Community College.

“Our solution must ensure that the Barbados healthcare system is well-supplied, well-equipped, well-supported with nurses.”

Despite the gravity of the crisis, Pinder ended on a hopeful note, urging collective action built on one foundational principle: caring.

“Caring is one of the core values of our nursing profession,” he said. “Therefore, caring for our nurses must go beyond offering support in response to physical and emotional challenges. We must address the structural challenges and the drivers of our workforce crises.

“The need for action is now. Not next week. Investing in our nurses will benefit our healthcare system, translate to better patient outcomes, a better economy… We have the power to shape the landscape of nurses, the quality of care, and Barbados’ future.”

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb

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The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has temporarily scaled back surgical services as it undertakes major upgrades to its Main Operating Theatre’s air handling system and supporting equipment.

The hospital announced in a statement on Wednesday that it is in the process of replacing, redesigning, and upgrading the Air Handler Unit (AHU) system, while also addressing technical issues with the chillers that support the AHU.

Completion of the project is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2025, weather permitting and barring unforeseen delays.

During this period, only emergency and urgent surgeries will be performed at the QEH. Some procedures have been relocated to the Obstetrics Theatre, and the hospital is working with partner institutions to conduct elective surgeries offsite where possible.

In a statement, the QEH assured the public that these adjustments are necessary to improve the reliability and efficiency of its surgical services.

For further assistance, patients may contact the QEH Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS/Help Desk) at 536-4800.

The works being carried out are part of the hospital’s $130 million Capital Expenditure (CapEx) Programme for 2025, which is aimed at modernising its infrastructure and improving care delivery.

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Doctors are warning that every minute counts – at least no more than 180 – for people experiencing a stroke, as new figures reveal persistently high incidence rates and a lack of urgent action is putting lives in jeopardy.

Consultant neurologist Dr Simeona Jacinto revealed during the season three finale of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s Pulse radio show on Monday that Barbados records approximately 1.4 strokes per 1 000 people, with 70 per cent of cases linked to high blood pressure and one in three patients also diabetic.

She stressed that stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in the Caribbean and the second deadliest condition globally.

“The earlier you come for management, the more likely we can limit brain damage,” Dr Jacinto said, urging the public to remember the FAST acronym – face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, time to call 511.

“The best stroke treatment is prevention – but if a stroke happens, act fast and call for help immediately.”

Consultant Emergency Physician Dr Anne-Marie Cruickshank. (FP)

Further underscoring the severity of the condition, consultant emergency physician Dr Anne-Marie Cruickshank, who heads the QEH Accident and Emergency Department, warned that doctors have just a three to four-hour window to administer life-saving treatment.

“Once symptoms begin, every second counts. The ambulance is your best option – they alert us ahead so we can be ready the moment you arrive,” she said.

The doctors also dispelled dangerous myths still common in the community, including the belief that strokes cannot be treated or should be managed at home with old remedies like nutmeg or Bible readings.

“We’ve moved past that,” Dr Cruickshank said. “We now have treatments like thrombolysis that can prevent further brain damage and even reverse some of the deficits.”

She also encouraged the public to enrol in emergency response training offered by the Heart and Stroke Foundation, including Heart Saver and Basic Life Support (BLS) courses.

“We need more people trained and more instructors. Public involvement is crucial,” she said. 

(SM)

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