The South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) has initiated a strategic recruitment drive to bolster nursing staff at Couva Hospital and Multi-Training Facility, supporting the recent launch of same-day surgical services. This development marks a significant step in the phased reactivation of the healthcare institution.
During Tuesday’s public board meeting at SAPA, SWRHA Chairman Anil Gosine confirmed that 40 nurses have already undergone interviews, with additional hires planned throughout the coming months. The initiative received financial backing from the Ministry of Health, which committed funding for the initial cohort of nursing professionals.
Despite SWRHA’s substantial operational involvement – including commissioning work completed during 2014-2015 – Chairman Gosine clarified that the authority functions in a supportive capacity rather than assuming full management control. “South West has been doing much of the groundwork,” Gosine noted, “but the facility ultimately operates under the Ministry of Health’s direct supervision.”
The current nursing contingent at Couva Hospital remains modest, with approximately 15 nurses stationed on-site. This expansion comes as same-day surgeries commenced on November 28, representing the initial phase of the hospital’s operational rollout.
In parallel developments, SWRHA officials revealed they are evaluating the feasibility of integrating a scaled-down burns treatment service into the hospital’s surgical program. Dr. Anand Chattergoon, SWRHA Director of Health, explained the complexities of maintaining specialized burn care capabilities, citing Trinidad and Tobago’s average of just two severe burn cases annually.
“Severe burns require specially trained doctors and nurses whom we currently lack,” Dr. Chattergoon stated. “Medical professionals with these specialized skills tend to seek opportunities elsewhere due to insufficient case volume to maintain their expertise.”
The existing burns ward adequately handles superficial cases, while critical third-degree burn patients are transferred via airlift to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. This protocol ensures patients receive optimal care despite local resource constraints.
The conversation around burn services gained additional urgency due to proximity to petrochemical and heavy-industrial operations in Point Lisas, highlighting the need for comprehensive emergency medical preparedness in the region.