A damaging fire has brought operations at Antigua’s Gambles Medical Centre to a sudden halt, prompting a show of solidarity from the island’s leading public healthcare facility, Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.
In an official public statement released this week, the tertiary hospital extended its full support to lead physician Dr. Sharon Cordner and her entire clinical and administrative staff, who are now navigating the chaotic aftermath of the unexpected blaze. The statement emphasized that the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre leadership recognizes the critical, longstanding role that Cordner’s private community practice has played in expanding access to primary care for local residents, and stands ready to assist the team as they work to recover.
As crews work to survey the full scope of structural and equipment damage caused by the fire, Cordner’s office will remain temporarily closed to patients. Hospital officials added that stakeholders are still reviewing all damage data to map out next steps for the practice, including potential repairs, relocation, or resumption of services. Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has committed to sharing new public updates with the community as soon as additional details about the incident and recovery process are confirmed.