Newly appointed chief executive Neil Clark has outlined a comprehensive vision to overhaul healthcare delivery at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. 

Clark, a seasoned healthcare executive who took up his post on April 2, laid out plans to address pressing issues and ensure “citizens receive the quality care they deserve”.

A key priority is improving the long-troubled accident and emergency (A&E) department, which Clark acknowledged had been blighted by overcrowding before its recent expansion. “It was very cramped, very tight. It didn’t look good. It didn’t feel good. Too many patients waiting, family members with them,” he said. “Working in that department must [have been] extremely stressful for the staff.”

But Clark insisted enlarging A&E alone would not solve the systemic problems. “It’s not just about having the A&E department the right size. What happens in the A&E is a consequence of a whole system, a whole healthcare system.”  

The CEO said he intends to work with polyclinics, private clinics and the Ministry of Health to educate the public and reduce unnecessary A&E visits. “A&E departments are for accidents and emergencies. Not all the patients in the A&E department are accidents or emergencies,” he said. “Some of those emergencies could have been avoided … people’s strokes, people’s heart attacks, and people’s chronic conditions could be managed better, stop them coming into the hospital when they’re acutely ill.”

Clark outlined a “holistic approach” to improving patient flow from admission to discharge, calling for coordinated efforts across departments like pathology and radiology to optimise operational efficiency. He also plans to review procedures for dealing with escalating A&E demand.

Lengthy waiting times for outpatient appointments and diagnostics are another “challenge”, Clark said, citing a lack of centralised data collection. But he revealed a new health information system will be implemented later this year to identify and address bottlenecks.

“We don’t have a health information system, so it’s quite hard sometimes to capture information on the waiting times,” he said. “We should be going out for tender for that system this summer, so we can bring in a system that will help us then gather the information to make sure that we’re very clear on where the pain points are.”

Clark also plans to closely scrutinise the functioning of the hospital’s wards to ease bottlenecks preventing patients from being transferred out of A&E.

“If the A&E department’s full because it can’t move patients from the department onto a ward, upstairs into the medical beds, we need to make sure that the wards are functioning as efficiently and as effectively as possible,” he said.

“So we’ve already started some work with the medical leads and how we can maybe manage the medical beds slightly differently to improve flow through those inpatient beds.”

At the other end of the care pathway, Clark said he must collaborate with external parties to ensure discharged patients have appropriate places to go, highlighting the need for “where will the elderly for care patients go and what are the different options”.

To drive these ambitious reforms, the new CEO has introduced “balanced scorecards” to identify top priorities and risks. He has also tasked the chief operating officer with developing “plans for how we’re going to tackle some of those areas” including outpatient waits, theatre delays and cancellations, and A&E waiting times.

Clark insisted data analysis would be central, saying: “I’ve already requested and redirected the chief operating officer to focus on what I call patient flow, how patients flow through the system and quality outcomes.”

The CEO, who has hit the ground running just weeks into his tenure, projected confidence that the QEH can turn around its fortunes despite long-standing issues.

“As a team of people, we can find solutions to this and I’ve seen that done in different places before,” Clark affirmed. 

(RG)

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On Thursday May 23, 2024 an eight-month-old child was referred to the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital by a private medical practitioner. The child arrived at the AED in an unconscious state and died following failed resuscitation efforts.

It is known that in keeping with common practice for children of such age, the child had been immunised. The immunisations were administered at the St Philip Polyclinic including the two, four- and six-month vaccines, with the last dose being administered on April 2, 2024.

The MHW, however, wishes to clearly state that the child had not received the MMR vaccines as being misleadingly stated in the public domain. The policy of the MHW is that minimum age at which this vaccine is administered to children is one year of age.

In keeping with the Laws of Barbados, in cases of sudden and unnatural death, an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of this unfortunate death. The MHW takes this opportunity to extend its condolences to the family of the deceased child.

Vaccines have been issued by the expanded programme of immunisation in Barbados since the late 1970s. The vaccines used locally have been demonstrated to be effective at reducing the risk of disease. The Ministry of Health and Wellness reminds parents to keep their children’s vaccinations up-to-date according to the recommended schedule to the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases.

The Ministry further wants to clarify the incorrect information on COVID deaths in the public domain. These numbers stand at 648 with no deaths in the last reporting period of April 13th and May 10th. The COVID19 vaccine was made available to the public by Ministry of Health and Wellness during the pandemic as part of its commitment to use evidence-based measures to reduce the risk of severe illness and death.

The MHW urges members of the public to desist from spreading alarm amongst the population through the practice of maliciously circulating misinformation.

(Statement made by Dr Ingrid Cumberbatch, Senior Medical Officer of Health (South), Ministry of Health and Wellness on 26th May 2024.)

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Michelle Straughn, walk manager for the event, speaking to the media after the starter fired the pistol to get walkers, runners, rollerbladers, skaters and children on scooters, underway, expressed her enthusiasm about the growing numbers and the importance of raising awareness for prostate cancer.

“This is now our second walk for the Prostate Cancer Walk. We started last year, it was our first. And we’ve certainly done a lot better this year in terms of numbers,” Straughn said. 

“We were expecting maybe about, I would say, 2,000 persons. And I believe that we would have gotten that. And we’re all excited because this means that awareness is spreading.”

Rollerbladers also took part in this year’s event.

She noted the initiative, aimed at bringing awareness to prostate cancer, served a crucial role as there was a critical need for early detection, not only for cancer but cancer of the prostate.

“It’s so important. The early detection of prostate cancer, as you know, is all about the males. And we have to protect them. So we’re very, very happy to see the response. And we know that next year will be better, because we have a bigger and better plan for next year. Maybe a lot more activities on the day. Listen out for it.”

There were some changes made this time around to the route, to accommodate different participants’ preferences. Whereas last year there was one route, Straughn explained some members of the public called for there to be a run in addition to the walk and this time around, the run was added along a separate route. (RG)

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Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Sunday presented Prime Minister Mia Mottley with the Director-General’s Award for Global Health.

Mottley is one of three people being awarded this year.

The awards are usually presented during the WHO’s most important meeting of the year — the World Health Assembly, which is being held on Monday. However, Mottley was presented with the award at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on Sunday to allow her to travel to Antigua and Barbuda for the United Nations fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), which begins on Monday.

Back in 2019, the WHO Director-General gave Global Health Leaders Awards to a number of individuals who have shown outstanding commitment to public health goals. The awards are now presented on an annual basis to selected individuals or groups of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership to achieve tangible health impacts.

In her acceptance speech, Mottley thanked the WHO Director-General for being there and for steadfastly supporting small countries.

“[The] COVID pandemic for us was the wild wild west in every sense of the word. When we could access goods, we learned that export restrictions would be put on them. When we could access vaccines, export restrictions were also put on them. When we could pay, we couldn’t get orders because our orders were simply too small to be taken, whether for equipment or medicines,” Mottley said.

Both the WHO and the Pan American Health Organization stood up for the region, Mottley said, while also paying tribute to PAHO’s Director Emeritus Dr Carissa F Etienne who died last year.

“You were the two people who were directly accessible at midnight … and that speaks volumes to the difference you made in saving lives — I dare say hundreds of thousands, if not millions of lives across the Small Island Developing States,” Mottley said.

“I thank you on behalf of my country for the honour which you are conferring on me. I take it not as my own, I take it as an honour to Barbados.”

Mottely also saluted the island’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Kenneth George, “who was on the front-lines, but I also want to salute my Ministers of Health, Lt Col Jeffrey Bostick and Senior Minister Jerome Walcot, who effectively carried and continue to carry the day-to-day battle in this critical area of health.”

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The saying that age is just a number could easily be applied to 100-year-old Veronique Minnie McCollin.

Unlike many others in her age group, the island’s latest centenarian is independent. She takes her own baths, cooks her own meals and on top of that can boast of good health as she has no illnesses.

At birthday celebrations at her house in Jackson Land, Silver Hill, Christ Church on Friday, Minnie, as she is affectionately called, told journalists that she was overjoyed to reach this milestone, even though she did not think she would. She said she loves cooking, especially making soup and makes sure to “put in everything”. She also likes to eat rice with vegetables and green bananas with salt fish.

Regarding her daily routine, she likes to be outdoors soaking up the fresh air. She said after taking her bath and drinking tea she would go outside and pray. Afterwards, she would watch people pass along the roadside. 

Minnie added that she came to Barbados after landing a job opportunity to take care of someone’s child. Her children said she left Dominica at age 18. 

She became known from then onward as a domestic worker of excellence and was showered with tributes during the celebrations.

Matriarch of the Jordan family, Marsha, said Minnie took care of her children and household needs for 35 years.

She described the birthday girl as a wonderful woman, who had a kind, calm and pleasant personality. She said she was also grateful for the nurture she gave her children and values she instilled in them. 

Minnie, who at one point lived in The Pine, St Michael, did small domestic chores after her time at the Jordans. Her children said her last official year of work was 2007.

President Dame Sandra Mason also paid Minnie a special visit and had a lively chat with the centenarian. 

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb

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This was the warning from Senior Environmental Officer responsible for vector control Dale Holligan as she joined her colleagues and partners of the Ministry of Health for a National Mosquito Fair. The event highlighted the integrated measures that the government uses to control mosquitoes, and encouraged the public to become more involved in mosquito prevention.

“Mosquitoes are more than just a bother; they are among the deadliest creatures out there,”  she warned, pointing to the recent dengue outbreak in Barbados earlier this year, as evidence of the threat they pose.

“We wanted to bring more public awareness to the mosquito population, their breeding habits, life cycle, habitats, and the surveillance and resistance testing conducted by the Ministry of Health,” Holligan told Barbados TODAY.

The event saw participation from Rentokil, Armstrong Agencies, and Massy, demonstrating a collaborative approach to mosquito control.

“It was not hard to get them on board,” Holligan said. “These organisations already work with vector control. It was best to have them here to show the public that it’s not only the government involved; there are other entities and products available for mosquito control.

She detailed practical steps residents can take to reduce mosquito breeding sites, especially with the rainy season approaching. “The first thing people need to do is check around their homes for containers that can collect water. If you need them, put them in areas where mosquitoes can’t reach them. If you don’t need them, discard them,” she advised. “Mosquitoes lay eggs in containers waiting for water. When it rains, these eggs develop into larvae. So, protecting or discarding containers is crucial.”

Holligan also urged residents to inspect their roof gutters, animal water containers, and any natural or man-made depressions where water might collect. “We need to be vigilant about our surroundings and ensure there are no areas where water can settle and provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes.”

Addressing the broader public health implications, Holligan noted that the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which spreads dengue, also carries other diseases like chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. “We don’t see yellow fever or malaria here because those diseases are carried by different mosquitoes. However, the threat remains significant.”

Despite ongoing efforts, the senior environmental officer acknowledged the challenges in getting the public to take preventive measures seriously. “People tend to be more responsive after experiencing one of these diseases. Until then, mosquitoes are often just seen as nuisances,” she said.

The event is part of a larger outreach programme aimed at increasing public participation in vector control. “You can expect to see more events like this, possibly in combination with rodent control initiatives,” Holligan confirmed.

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This positive trend comes as the organisation prepares for its second annual Cemix Prostate Cancer Run/Walk, set for Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Garrison Savannah. The event aims to raise further awareness and support for early detection of prostate cancer.

During a site visit at the Garrison Savannah, where the event will kick off, Michelle Straughn, walk manager for the Barbados Cancer Society, said the simplified testing process has had a significant impact on numbers.

“Early detection is important in any disease and before it used to be an invasive test, but it’s changed to a blood test. So if the PSA [prostate-specific antigen] levels are raised, then you get further tests,” she said.

Straughn also noted the availability of a DNA test for genetic predisposition to prostate cancer at a reduced price, making early detection more accessible.

“If there were any males in your family that would have had prostate cancer, then obviously you would have a greater level of being susceptible to the disease,” she said. “So there’s also a DNA test that can be done to show if it’s in your family line and that test is at a reduced price of $200,” she said, noting a significant reduction from the usual cost of around $1 000.

The event manager stressed the importance of community support in conducting the necessary research on prostate cancer and further offsetting associated costs for men across the island.

Straughn outlined the routes for the walk and run which will both start and end at the Garrison, with the run beginning at 3:45 p.m. and the walk at 4 p.m.

She added that partners, the Scottish District Grand Lodge of Barbados, were instrumental in putting the routes together.

Glyne Grannum, a member of the lodge, said: “This is a very important event for Barbadian men and we were very privileged … when we were able to find a willing partner to raise the profile of the disease and its impact on Barbadian men and at the same time, to be able to, from that awareness, get greater sponsorship for the issue.”

Grannum also revealed what he described as a significant increase in registration by lodge members.

“The registration for this year from the Scottish District Grand Lodge is indeed a greater number than last year and not only testimony to the seriousness with which the lodge treats this project but also wider understanding within Barbados,” he said.

The organisers have called on the community to join the event, highlighting the collective effort needed to continue improving health outcomes for Barbadian men.

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The HNI Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Healthier Nation Initiative co-founded by Sheldon Jones, has been working to uplift lower socio-economic areas across the island and the Caribbean. Its mission is to deliver accessible and sustainable healthcare services to those struggling with economic disadvantages.

“The foundation’s mandate is to provide practical, accessible, and sustainable health and wellness solutions to vulnerable populations in lower socio-economic communities in Barbados and the wider region,” Jones explained. Unlike many organisations that solely offer education, HNI takes a more hands-on tack. “While education is essential, we found that economic factors significantly impact a person’s ability to act on that education.”

To bridge this gap, the foundation brings free exercise programmes, medical testing through partnerships with Ross University, and collaborative efforts offering health services directly to communities at little to no cost. “We’re bringing solutions into the community, ensuring that even those in high-risk categories have access to the resources they need to manage their health better,” Jones added.

The foundation has identified key demographics in significant need of assistance, including single mothers, the elderly and disabled persons – groups often at higher risk for diseases. By conducting wellness checks and providing fitness programmes and health packages, HNI aims to manage and mitigate these risks through close cooperation with community leaders.

At an outreach event in Hillaby, St Andrew, residents began arriving from 7.30 a.m., for the 8 a.m. start. Jones praised the collaborative approach: “Our team deserves full credit. We aimed to create a more community-focused approach, less corporate, and more personal.”

He highlighted the vital roles played by community liaison officers Rosemary Clarke and Gillian Marshall in personally engaging with local leaders, as well as project officer Carl Griffith’s organisational efforts. “Our approach, centred on personal engagement, makes a significant difference. It transforms HNI from a nameless, faceless entity into a group of people genuinely interested in the community’s well-being.”

The partnership with Ross University was also hailed as a “godsend”, with representatives ensuring free, comprehensive medical checks through the involvement of students. Jones emphasised the aim of empowering people to take charge of their health: “It’s not that difficult to be healthy. It requires intentionality, just like any other goal. Health is based on movement, a balanced diet, and regular check-ups.”

While the outreach saw an impressive turnout, with up to 30 people at a time, quality remained the focus. “It’s about providing thorough, meaningful checks to a targeted group,” said Jones. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Looking ahead, HNI has ambitious plans for regional expansion to territories like Antigua and Grenada this year, aided by a partnership with financial services giant Sagicor. Jones emphasised the importance of sustainability and follow-up assessments to gauge the effectiveness of their interventions over time.

He also highlighted the need to combat increasingly sedentary modern lifestyles: “Movement is crucial, yet often overlooked. Many jobs today are sedentary, contributing to health risks. As a personal trainer, I emphasise that exercise doesn’t mean going to a gym—it’s about finding enjoyable activities to stay active.”

For those inspired by HNI’s work, Jones offered this message: “Improving your quality of life is simpler than it seems. Small changes in diet and regular movement can make a big difference. Find activities you enjoy staying active and make balanced dietary choices. Even minor adjustments can significantly enhance your health and well-being.”

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This is where Tameka Jones comes in. She is one of the phlebotomists with the Blood Collection Centre of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Located in Jemmotts Lane, Ladymeade Garden, a stone’s throw from the Winston Scott Polyclinic, the pale blue building is home to the national blood bank.

Jones is on a mission to dispel fears and encourage more Barbadians to donate blood. Her insights reveal not only the challenges faced by the blood bank but also the crucial role of community involvement in maintaining a steady blood supply.

“There’s a significant fear of giving blood among Barbadians, and it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why,” she told Barbados TODAY. “The biggest reason people give is their fear of needles. It’s understandable — needles can be daunting — but really, it’s just one small prick. That initial prick might cause a little stinging sensation, but it doesn’t last throughout the donation process. Once you get over that first prick, you’re good to go.”

Despite the efforts to normalise blood donation, the blood bank routinely appeals for donors. Jones acknowledges this ongoing struggle: “We need a constant supply of blood available for surgeries, injuries, and other medical needs. We want more people to come in voluntarily, not just when a family member or friend needs blood. This helps us maintain a stable supply and be prepared for any situation.”

Jones admits it’s hard to provide a specific number of the ideal supply levels. “The blood bank has a quota they aim to maintain. Whenever we approach that minimum level, we put out an appeal. It’s crucial to always have enough blood on hand to meet our needs.”

She recently participated in an initiative at the Golden Square Freedom Park – a health screening fair put on by the Rotary Club of Barbados along with Ricky Wilson, the unit’s ‘Blood Ambassador’ – holder of the record for the most consistent donor.

Jones aims to give Wilson more companions. “Our goal is to get more people to donate voluntarily. Currently, we mostly see replacement donors — those who donate to a specific person in need. If we have more voluntary donors, we wouldn’t face shortages when emergencies arise,” she said.

For his part, Wilson is a resolute pillar of advocacy in the realm of blood donation. He dedicates his time to spreading awareness and encouraging voluntary blood donations.

“My journey began in sixth form at [Harrison] College,” he recalled. “One of our classmates was involved in a hit-and-run accident, and the headmaster asked for volunteers over 18 to donate blood. We were eager to skip classes but also scared. Surprisingly, the experience was far more positive than we anticipated. Since then, I’ve been a regular donor.”

Reflecting on his long-term commitment, the public servant added: “I’ll be 62 this year and have given blood over 130 times. My next donation will likely be on June 14th, World Blood Donor Day, when the Blood Collection Centre holds a special drive.”

His extensive experience makes him an ideal advocate. “The process is straightforward and safe,” he explained. “You fill out a questionnaire, get a small pinprick to check your platelet count, and once you’re cleared, they take your blood pressure. The area is sterilised, and then you’re hooked up to donate. It takes about 10-15 minutes to fill a bag.

“After donating, you rest for 15 minutes, have some juice and biscuits, and then you’re good to go. The entire process takes about 45 minutes. It’s a small-time commitment for a significant impact—you can potentially save up to three lives with one donation.”

Acknowledging that people are often frightened of needles and worry about the safety of the process, he added: “It’s one of the safest procedures, thanks to rigorous protocols ensuring both donor and recipient safety. There used to be fears about STIs and STDs, but those concerns are mitigated by strict screening and testing of all blood donations.”

Wilson pointed to the importance of voluntary donors over replacement donors, who donate to specific individuals.

“We aim to increase the number of voluntary donors to maintain a steady blood supply without urgent appeals. Ideally, we’d love to have at least one blood donor in every family,” he said.

“We use special drives like World Blood Donor Day to attract new donors and encourage them to return regularly. Even donating twice a year can make a huge difference.”

The Blood Collection Centre is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Some practical advice for donors: it is best to eat something and drink plenty of fluids before coming.

Wilson assured: “The well-trained and knowledgeable team is there to make the process as smooth as possible.”

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During the presentation of the awards at the Barbados Community College (BCC), Director of Corporate Banking, Barbados & OECS,CIBC Caribbean, Jeffrey Newton commended first-year student Rashawn Gibson, second-year student Kayli Jordan and third-year student Shannon Yarde for pursuing a career in nursing.

“It has to be a calling and a commitment to want to care for others the way nurses are called upon to do, and I commend the three of you, because in this fast-paced, technologically driven world today, it’s easy for young people to get caught up in the glitz and want to get in professions that are considered glamorous, and shun those that are not. That’s what we call nursing a calling… – you are there for people at their most vulnerable,” he said.

“Few people would see you on those nights when you are on duty and can’t sleep like the rest of us because you are taking care of sick people in your care, or dealing sometimes with an unpleasant side effect of people being ill, and worried. By enrolling in the Barbados Community College, you are giving a commitment to help others when they cannot help themselves, and that is a noble commitment.”

Director of Corporate Banking, Barbados & OECS, CIBC Caribbean, Jeffrey Newton. (HG)

The scholarships are each worth $2 000, and cover registration fees, books, and uniforms.

Newton said: “We are pleased to hear that all of the students that have been awarded to date, continue to maintain good GPAs and excellent overall performances, with the first group awarded in 2021 due to graduate this year. This is pleasing news for a sponsor.”

“This year, on advice from the college, the scholarships are distributed across the years of the programme. So we have a first-year, second-year, and third-year student; whereas in previous years they were awarded to all first-year students.”

Meanwhile, Head of the Nursing Department at BCC Dr Sonia Watson-Miller said she was pleased to see the scholarships continue.

“I am proud that this opportunity has continued since 2021. Our selection of the students was based on three categories, not only the academic performance but also their personality and any financial [assistance] that was needed. Our pass rate has been improving for the last five years, and last year we had the highest of 91 per cent. So our pass rate has been improving,” she said.

Gibson expressed gratitude that she was selected.

“I am truly honoured and never thought that I would be given this opportunity. It truly shows that hard work and dedication pays off, and it motivates me to continue to work harder and to make a difference in the field of nursing,” she said. 

“This scholarship will not only help to ease the financial burden, allowing students to focus mainly on their studies but also not to worry about the cost. I want to end my speech by encouraging more young persons, especially males, to get involved in the profession, as we need more persons in the field.” (SB)

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