The following statement was issued by the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Saturday:

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital is again experiencing a surge in the number of patients presenting to the Accident and Emergency Department for treatment with various medical complaints.

At 8 a.m. Saturday, 38, patients were waiting to be seen by our medical team.

The current situation has led to increased wait times in the department. We’re reminding the public, if you present to the AED at this time with medical conditions which are not deemed life-threatening or an emergency, it is possible you may experience an extended wait.

Life-threatening conditions, under AED’s Triage System will continue to be seen and treated immediately. These include patients who for example, have life, limb or sight threatening complaints, gunshot wounds, heart attacks, active seizure activity or a patient who needs resuscitation.

If you are unsure about your medical complaint to determine if you need to present to the Accident and Emergency Department, please call our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS/Help Desk) at 536- 4800 using regular or whatsapp calls from 9am to 12 midnight during this surge.

You also have the option of visiting the 24-hour Winston Scott Polyclinic at Jemmotts Lane, St Michael for treatment or your private General Practitioner.

We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and we will continue to provide updates on the situation.

(PR)

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(AP) — Two private companies announced Friday a partnership to release mosquitoes across the Caribbean, including Jamaica, bred with a bacterium that blocks the dengue virus as the region fights a record number of cases.

Orbit Services Partners Inc., a company registered in Barbados, is partnering with Verily, a San Francisco-based health technology company, for the project.

The companies have been meeting with government officials in the region in hopes of launching the project early next year, said Orbit chairman Anthony Da Silva.

It would target nations including Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, St Maarten, St Martin, Suriname, Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Similar projects using the Wolbachia bacterium already have been implemented elsewhere in the world. Mosquitoes are infected with Wolbachia in a laboratory and then released into the wild, where they pass it on to their offspring.

The bacterium prevents the dengue virus from replicating inside a mosquito’s gut.

Da Silva said the partnership has been three years in the making and was delayed by the pandemic.

The proposal is still pending approval in individual Caribbean nations.

The Caribbean, along with the Americas, has reported more than four million dengue cases so far this year, the highest number since record-keeping began in 1980.

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The Vector Control Unit will continue its fogging programme this week with emphasis on three parishes.

When the exercise starts on Monday, December 11, the team will focus attention on the St John districts of Foster Hall, St Margaret’s Village Road, Glenburnie and the environs.

A return to that parish on Tuesday, December 12, will see fogging at Martin’s Bay, Zores, New Castle, New Castle Hill, and environs.

The following day, Wednesday, December 13, the team will journey to St Philip, where Bottom Bay Road, Bottom Drive, Ocean Drive, Apple Hall, Inch Cape, Harrismith Road, and environs will be sprayed.

On Thursday, December 14, fogging will move to St Michael. Areas to be sprayed are: Danesbury Road, Hinkson Gap, Retreat Road, Spring Garden, Carters Gap, Carlton Terrace, Brighton Beach Road North and South and environs.

Fogging concludes on Friday, December 15, with a return to St Michael. The districts to be visited are Brighton Road, Ashdeane Road, Brighton Terrace, Dodson Land, Rosemont, Deacon’s Farm Housing Area, Birds River, Holders Land, Brandons, Bays Water, and environs.

Fogging will run from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., each day. Householders are asked to assist in the control of the aedes aegypti mosquito by opening all windows and doors to allow the fog to penetrate. Persons with respiratory problems should protect themselves from inhaling the fog.

Pedestrians and motorists should proceed with caution when encountering fogging operations on the street and parents are instructed to prohibit children from playing in the fog or running behind the fogging machine.

Members of the public are advised that the completion of scheduled fogging activities may be affected by events beyond the Unit’s control. In such circumstances, the Unit will return to affected communities as soon as possible.

(PR)

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The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) says it resumed burning medical waste at its Martindales Road facility on Monday, November 27.

Since then, management has received a number of complaints from residents in the surrounding environs about the increase in the level of smoke coming from the incinerator, the QEH said in a statement on Saturday. 

The hospital said it has acknowledged these concerns and is taking them seriously. 

In response, management and the engineering department have decided on the following measures: 

• The creation of a new schedule for burning medical waste as an immediate measure to address environmental concerns raised by residents. Starting next week, incineration will be conducted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only; there will be no burning from Friday through to Monday.

• As a temporary measure, the existing incinerator will be outfitted with new ‘after-burners’, the purpose of which is to provide a cleaner burn and a significant reduction in the level of smoke expelled from the plant. These should be installed within the coming weeks.

• The board of management and the management team are actively exploring green, environmentally friendly technologies as a long-term solution for medical waste management at the hospital.

Management at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital apologies for the inconvenience and thanks residents for their patience and understanding, as we work on a more permanent solution.

(PR)

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The Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory has reported an increase in positive samples for dengue fever in Barbados.

As a result, health officials are urging Barbadians to take precautions to avoid contracting the virus, which is transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

The laboratory indicated that five positive cases of dengue – three cases of Type 2 and two cases of Type 3 were recorded in August. Additionally, four positive cases of the virus – two cases each of Type 2 and Type 3 – were recorded, so far, for September.

This profile is somewhat different from earlier this year, when Types 1 and 3 were the main strains circulating. However, the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory reported that these results were in keeping with the strains that are currently circulating in the Americas.

In light of the increase in cases, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Kenneth George, encourages members of the public to report mosquito sightings to the Environmental Health Departments at the polyclinics nearest to them.

“Once those reports are received, the environmental health officers will go out to those districts and carry out investigations,” he said.

The Ministry currently conducts fogging in “problem areas” where it receives several reports about mosquito breeding.

The CMO noted that the likelihood of severe dengue is increased when there are multiple strains of the virus circulating.  He added that severe dengue can include shock syndromes and hemorrhaging.

The Ministry reminded health providers to remain vigilant for the warning signs of severe dengue, which usually occur after the fever has subsided and may include, severe abdominal pain and signs of bleeding, for example, from the gums.

“In addition, all unexplained fevers with accompanying headaches, muscle pains or rash should be reported to your primary care physician. The Best-dos Santos Public Health Lab remains on alert. It is, at this time, able to process excess samples,” Dr George explained.

He pointed out that while the Ministry of Health and Wellness remained committed to reducing the mosquito burden in the country, it could not do it alone and needed the public’s cooperation.

The Chief Medical Officer advised Barbadians to check water they have stored and indoor plants regularly for mosquito larvae, and change the water in the overflow dishes of plant pots every three to four days.

He further suggested that persons wear mosquito repellent during peak biting times – dusk and dawn; wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing; and inspect old tyres for water collection and drain them, once necessary.

Mosquito nets should also be used over infant beds, carriers, cribs and strollers; and window and door screens should be installed to keep out mosquitoes.

The Ministry encourages health providers to send samples from persons suspected of having dengue to the public health lab for definitive diagnosis and typing of the specific dengue strains.

(BGIS)

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Emphasis will be placed on four parishes this week when the Vector Control Unit of the Ministry of Health and Wellness continues its fogging exercise.

The programme starts in St Michael on Monday, December 4, with fogging at Lower Burney, Cutting Road, Mount Friendship Road and the environs.

On Tuesday, December 5, the team will journey to St Joseph, where Horse Hill, Orange Cottage, Vaughns Road 1, 2 and 3, Easy Hall, Bowling Alley Hill and the environs will be sprayed.

The following day, Wednesday December 6, attention will shift to St Philip where fogging will occur at Hill Drive, Apple Hall, Bottom Bay Road, Terrace Drive, Bottom Drive, Bay Drive, Ocean Drive and the environs.

On Thursday, December 7, the team will spray the St James districts of Jamestown Park, First and Second Street, Cherry Ave., Frangipani Row, Carnation Row, Orchid Row, Oleander Row and environs.

Fogging culminates on Friday, December 8, with a return to St Michael. The areas to be visited are Bank Hall, Dash Gap with Avenues, Quarry Road, Industry Road, Kew Road and the surrounding districts.

Fogging takes place from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., daily.

Householders are asked to assist in the control of the aedes aegypti mosquito and are reminded to open their windows and doors to allow the spray to enter. Persons with respiratory problems are asked to protect themselves from inhaling the spray.

Pedestrians and motorists should proceed with caution when encountering fogging operations on the street and parents are instructed to prohibit children from playing in the fog or running behind the fogging machine.

Members of the public are advised that the completion of scheduled fogging activities may be affected by events beyond the Unit’s control.  In such circumstances, the Unit will return to communities affected as soon as possible.

(PR)

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There will be no fogging on Independence Day, Thursday, November 30.

However, several districts in St Philip and St Michael will be targeted when the Vector Control Unit of the Ministry of Health and Wellness carries out its fogging exercise, this week.

On Monday, November 27, the team will be in St Philip in the following areas: Eastbourne #1, Mill Road, Well House, Casuarina Estate and the environs.

The next day, Tuesday, November 28, emphasis will be on the St Michael districts of Lower Burney, Cutting Road, Mount Friendship Road and the environs.

Fogging will occur again in St Michael on Wednesday, November 29. The areas to be sprayed are: Henry Durant Road, Friendship Terrace, Lowland Drive, Mahaica, Storey Gap and the environs.

The exercise will conclude for the week on Friday, December 1, in the St Michael areas of Butlers Avenue, Paradise Road, Chapel Gap, Pioneer Road, Lower Civilian Road, Bush Hall Yard Gap, Ellis Road, Stadium Road and the environs.

Fogging takes place from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., daily. Householders are reminded to open their windows and doors to allow the spray to enter. Persons with respiratory problems are asked to protect themselves from inhaling the spray.

Pedestrians and motorists should proceed with caution when encountering fogging operations on the street and parents are instructed to prohibit children from playing in the fog or running behind the fogging machine.

Members of the public are advised that the completion of scheduled fogging activities may be affected by events beyond the Unit’s control. In such circumstances, the Unit will return to affected communities as soon as possible.

(PR)

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When the Ministry of Health and Wellness continues its fogging programme this week, emphasis will be on St George and St Michael.

On Monday, November 20, the team from the Vector Control Unit will make its first stop in St George where fogging will occur at Waverley Cot Road, Ellerton Gardens, Waverley Cot and the environs.

A return to that parish on Tuesday November 21, will see fogging at Ellerton Road, Walker Road, Ellerton, Blenman Road, Sargeant Road and the environs.

The following day, Wednesday, November 22, the St George districts of Flat Rock, Flat Rock Tenantry, Locust Hall #1, Mayfield Road, and environs will be sprayed.

Fogging moves to St Michael on Thursday, November 23. Areas to be sprayed are: Jackmans, Lears Road, Skeete’s Road, Tamarind Road, Avocado Avenue, Cherry Avenue, Lower Estate Heights, Friendship, Lears Drive, Clarke’s Road and the environs.

The fogging programme culminates on Friday, November 24, in the St Michael districts of Stanmore Crescent, Stanmore Terrace, Ellerslie School Road, Goddard’s Road, Golden Acres, and the environs.

Fogging of districts will run from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., each day. Householders are asked to assist in the control of the aedes aegypti mosquito by opening all windows and doors to allow the fog to enter. Persons with respiratory problems are asked to protect themselves from inhaling the spray.

Pedestrians and motorists should proceed with caution when encountering fogging operations on the street and parents are instructed to prohibit children from playing in the fog or running behind the fogging machine.

Members of the public are advised that the completion of scheduled fogging activities may be affected by events beyond the Unit’s control. In such circumstances, the Unit will return to affected communities as soon as possible.

(PR)

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Better communication between the island’s numerous health-care providers is required to improve the quality and administration of patient care.

This was the view shared by Ian Weithers, President of the Barbados Association of Radiographers, as he spoke to media personnel during Saturday’s opening ceremony for the Barbados Association of Radiographers and the Barbados Health Information Management Conference 2023. The conference was held at the O2 Beach Club and Spa, Dover Beach, Christ Church.

Weithers said COVID-19 was an eye-opening experience for the medical community, with access to patient information and other data proving challenging despite the need for it.

“In the past, everyone managed their own information, and sometimes it would be difficult when one is dealing with patient records and information to get information from another area. With the advancement of technologies we are now beginning to share information a whole lot better, which obviously means better management of patient care,” Weithers said.

“There are still a lot of gaps in information sharing. A lot of gaps for instance in care, the continuum of care. We need to get that better if patients are supposed to be better treated, and we get success with all of the other things that we are doing.”

Meanwhile, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr Sonia Browne, also shared similar sentiments, stating that Government and medical organisations need to work together to remove data silos and other inefficiencies within the system to better improve patient care.

“Images of disparities in access, inefficiencies in the provision of care, and absence of supporting quality mechanisms, compartmentalisation of care does not allow for the provision of services from the systems perspective. It breeds inefficiencies in the use of resources and maximisation of funds,” Browne said.

“Additionally, the health-care industry has long been grappling with the challenge of hidden data silos; these data silos make it more difficult for organisations and health-care professionals to exchange information smoothly, which impedes care coordination and ultimately affects patient outcomes.”

Government and medical organisations work together to remove data silos and other inefficiencies within the system to better improve patient care, Bowne said.

She also revealed that the Ministry of Health and Wellness in 2022, with support from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) did an assessment of Barbados’ Information Systems for Health (IS4H), to develop a short and medium term work plan for the national level. Findings from this assessment will be used in short order to better streamline a number of services on the island.

(SB)

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The Vector Control Unit of the Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue its mosquito eradication efforts this week in the parishes of St Lucy, St Peter, and St Michael.

Fogging will commence on Monday, November 6, in the following St Lucy districts – Maycocks Terrace, Checker Hall Development, Friendly Hall, Husbands Road, Harrisons and environs.

The team will return to St Lucy, on Tuesday, November 7, to fog Clinketts Gardens, Sutherland Road, Fustic Village, Checker Hall Road, Half Moon Fort, Colleton Gardens, Shermans, and surrounding areas.

The Unit will turn its attention to communities in St Peter on Wednesday, November 8, when they visit Six Men’s Development, Colleton Gardens, Retreat Road, and Port St Charles.

The following day, Thursday, November 9, Heywoods Development and Golden Mile, also in St Peter, will be targeted for fogging.

Fogging for the week will conclude on Friday, November 10, when some areas in St Michael will be sprayed, including Free Hill with avenues, Rock Road, Connell Road, Free Hill Crescent, and neighbouring districts.

Fogging takes place from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. daily. Householders are reminded to open their windows and doors to allow the spray to enter.

Members of the public are advised that the completion of scheduled fogging activities may be affected by events beyond the Unit’s control. In such circumstances, the Unit will return to communities affected in the soonest possible time.

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