The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has amplified its appeal for blood donations, sounding the alarm over critically low reserves and emphasizing the urgent need for donors to maintain vital emergency and surgical services. Dr. Christine Greenidge, Chief Operations Officer at QEH, underscored the indispensable role of community support during her appearance on the hospital’s Pulse Radio Show. ‘Blood is a lifeline for our doctors, especially in the Emergency Department and other critical areas where lives are saved daily,’ she stated. She further explained that trauma cases, such as gunshot and stabbing injuries, often demand substantial blood supplies, making donations a cornerstone of effective medical care. Dr. Greenidge also issued a special plea for rare blood types, including O negative and A negative, praising recent donors who swiftly responded to previous appeals. ‘We reached out to individuals with whom we have established relationships, and they stepped up immediately,’ she remarked. To bolster national reserves, several blood drives are planned across the island throughout October. Collection teams will be stationed at Ross University on Friday and Saturday, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) from October 13 to 16, and Bajan Sigmas on October 23. Donors are encouraged to visit the QEH Blood Bank, located adjacent to the Winston Scott Polyclinic, where staff, including manager Wendy Lord, are prepared to assist. Both whole blood and platelets are in high demand to meet patient needs. ‘When our stock levels fall below the required threshold, it’s our responsibility to issue an appeal to ensure these units are available,’ Dr. Greenidge emphasized. She urged individuals with rare blood types to step forward, saying, ‘If you know you belong to a rare blood group and are willing to donate, please visit the blood bank.’
分类： health
-
New mobile clinic to boost breast screening access
The Barbados Cancer Society is poised to revolutionize breast cancer detection with the introduction of a cutting-edge mobile clinic, a $100,000 investment set to launch within eight months. This initiative aims to extend life-saving breast screening and early detection services to communities across the island, ensuring greater accessibility for women in remote areas. Dr. Shirley Hanoman-Jhagroo, Medical Coordinator of the Breast Screening Programme, confirmed that the new unit has been ordered from British Leyland, the same company that manufactured the current vehicle, which has served the island for 18 years. The new clinic, custom-built to meet specific needs, will replace the existing unit, which has been instrumental in providing daily screening and education services. Dr. Hanoman-Jhagroo emphasized the importance of the mobile clinic in reaching women who face barriers to accessing healthcare facilities in Bridgetown or Warrens. The current mobile team, led by a dedicated nurse, not only conducts breast examinations but also educates women on self-examination techniques, referring them to the clinic for further care. Notably, the programme has never denied services to patients unable to afford the cost, reflecting its commitment to equitable healthcare. Dr. Hanoman-Jhagroo highlighted the significant progress of the Breast Screening Programme over its 23-year history, stating, ‘This is how we save lives.’ The new mobile unit marks a pivotal milestone in the programme’s mission to combat breast cancer through early detection and community outreach.
-
Greene Announces Plans for Eye and Dental Clinics in St. Paul
In a significant move to enhance healthcare accessibility, St. Paul MP and Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene has unveiled plans to construct new eye and dental clinics in his constituency. The announcement was made during the reopening ceremony of the Cobbs Cross Clinic, which had been closed since 2003. Greene emphasized that the government is in the process of acquiring adjacent land to support this ambitious project, aimed at bringing specialized healthcare services closer to residents of St. Paul, English Harbour, Falmouth, Cobbs Cross, and Piccadilly.
The planned facilities are part of a broader initiative to decentralize healthcare, ensuring that residents in southern Antigua have easier access to diagnostic and preventive services. Greene highlighted that the new clinics will complement the fully modernized Cobbs Cross primary health facility, which has been upgraded to meet contemporary healthcare standards. He described the project as a testament to the government’s long-term investment in the well-being of local communities.
‘This investment is for the people,’ Greene stated. ‘We are committed to expanding the quality of healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that every community has access to the services it deserves.’ The St. Paul MP also praised the Ministries of Health and Works for their collaborative efforts in completing the Cobbs Cross Clinic, adding that the upcoming eye and dental centers will further the government’s focus on improving both preventive and specialized healthcare across the constituency.
The initiative underscores the government’s dedication to addressing healthcare disparities and enhancing the quality of life for residents in underserved areas. With the construction of these new facilities, Greene assured the community that ‘the best is yet to come,’ signaling a brighter future for healthcare in the region.
-
PM: Antigua and Barbuda Has Rebuilt 17 of 23 Clinics Nationwide
COBBS CROSS, Antigua — October 6, 2025 — Antigua and Barbuda has made significant strides in its national healthcare infrastructure program, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne announcing the completion of rebuilding or repairing 17 out of the country’s 23 community health clinics. The announcement came during the reopening of the Cobbs Cross Clinic, a facility that had been closed for over two decades. This marks a pivotal moment in the government’s efforts to modernize healthcare access across the nation. Speaking at the event, Browne praised the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Public Works, emphasizing the importance of restoring essential services in underserved areas. The Cobbs Cross Clinic will now offer a range of services, including maternal and child care, immunizations, chronic disease management, and family planning. Browne highlighted that the government’s strategy focuses on creating a sustainable and modern healthcare system that ensures every citizen has access to dignified care. He also reaffirmed the commitment to completing the remaining six clinics, which will bring the primary healthcare network to full capacity. This progress aligns with broader initiatives such as the upcoming National Health Insurance program and expanded diagnostic services at the community level. The Prime Minister’s remarks underscored the administration’s dedication to equipping each clinic with adequate staffing and resources to deliver reliable, community-based care. “We are building a healthcare system that is not temporary or improvised,” Browne stated. “It is sustainable, modern, and designed to serve every citizen with dignity.”
-
Sir Molwyn: Government to Table National Health Insurance Bill in Early 2026
Antigua and Barbuda’s Health Minister, Sir Molwyn Joseph, has announced plans to introduce national health insurance legislation in Parliament during the first quarter of 2026. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the nation’s journey toward universal healthcare coverage. Speaking at the reopening of the Cobbs Cross Clinic, Sir Molwyn emphasized that consultations with the University of the West Indies on the design of the scheme have been finalized, setting the stage for its implementation. ‘By the first quarter of next year, we’ll have legislation before Parliament to establish a national health insurance,’ he stated. ‘Our policy ensures that healthcare is accessible to every citizen, regardless of their financial status.’ The announcement is part of a broader government effort to enhance healthcare delivery, including the renovation of 17 out of the nation’s 23 clinics and the modernization of diagnostic capabilities at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre. Sir Molwyn highlighted that the initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to equitable healthcare access and reducing financial barriers for low-income families. The upcoming legislation will complement ongoing reforms in primary healthcare and the revitalization of community clinics, such as the recently reopened Cobbs Cross facility.
-
Barbados awaits verdict on mother-to-child HIV transmission
The Ministry of Health and Wellness in Barbados is currently awaiting a formal report from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to confirm whether the country has successfully achieved the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV. Acting Permanent Secretary Wayne Webster, in a statement released on Tuesday, highlighted that the recent PAHO assessment was initiated at the ministry’s request to independently evaluate Barbados’ compliance with the operational standards necessary for validation. Webster emphasized that the PAHO team conducted a comprehensive review, including visits to healthcare facilities and laboratories, as well as an examination of data and surveillance systems supporting EMTCT efforts. While initial feedback has been highly positive, the ministry has refrained from specifying a timeline for the next steps until the formal report is received. Webster explained that the lengthy process reflects the need for sustained and deliberate progress in healthcare, given its critical impact on lives. If verified, Barbados would join 11 other Caribbean nations, including Belize, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in achieving this milestone. The EMTCT verification process also encompasses efforts to prevent the transmission of syphilis and hepatitis B from mother to child. A PAHO delegation recently completed a pre-assessment, visiting key health facilities such as the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and polyclinics to evaluate testing protocols, maternal care, and disease surveillance systems. Barbados is anticipated to receive official accreditation by the end of the year.
-
Long-delayed Accident and Emergency at PMH to be completed by late 2025
After years of persistent delays and shifting timelines, the much-anticipated Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department at Princess Margaret Hospital is now projected to open by the end of 2025. Initially announced with high hopes in 2023, the project has encountered numerous setbacks, including equipment delays and repeated revisions to its completion schedule. Originally slated for a 2023 launch, the opening was first postponed to August, then to October, but the facility remains non-operational.
Aubynette Rolle, Managing Director of the Public Hospitals Authority, revealed that the final phase of the project hinges on the installation of a critical cooling system, known as the DX system, which is essential for regulating airflow in the new unit. Earlier plans to utilize the hospital’s existing system were deemed insufficient, prompting the need for this upgrade.
Rolle emphasized that contractors are currently preparing the space for operations, with furniture, fixtures, and equipment being installed. She urged the public to remain patient, assuring that officials are committed to ensuring the facility is fully equipped before opening. While expressing cautious optimism about meeting the new target, Rolle acknowledged potential challenges, particularly in importing necessary components.
The A&E expansion is designed to modernize emergency care and alleviate pressure on the hospital’s overcrowded existing department, which has long struggled with extended waiting times, limited space, and staff shortages. Public frustration has mounted over the repeated delays, as the new facility is seen as a critical solution to improving conditions for both patients and healthcare workers.
-
PAHO releases new guidelines to help combat vaccine misinformation
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has unveiled a set of innovative guidelines aimed at equipping health professionals and other key stakeholders with the tools necessary to identify and counteract vaccine misinformation. This initiative comes in response to the escalating threat posed by false information, which has the potential to erode public trust in immunization and hinder public health advancements across the Americas. The guidelines are tailored for a diverse audience, including health workers, national immunization program managers, health communicators, journalists, educators, and content creators, to enhance their ability to discern and address misleading vaccine-related narratives. Daniel Salas, executive manager of PAHO’s Special Programme for Comprehensive Immunization, emphasized that even brief exposure to vaccine misinformation can significantly impact individuals’ perceptions and their willingness to get vaccinated. The documents highlight common tactics used to disseminate false information, such as the misuse of data, emotional appeals, conspiracy theories, and the selective use of facts to lend credibility to false claims. Additionally, the guidelines provide practical advice on identifying red flags in misleading materials, such as grammatical errors, sensationalist headlines, and excessive use of capitalization. PAHO underscores the critical role of health workers as trusted sources of information and offers recommendations for addressing patient concerns with empathy and transparency. For journalists, the guidelines suggest strategies for balanced, evidence-based reporting to avoid inadvertently spreading anti-science narratives. Educators are provided with classroom activities designed to enhance students’ media, digital, and health literacy, encouraging critical evaluation of information encountered online. PAHO stresses that combating misinformation must be part of broader efforts to build trust and increase vaccination coverage. Salas noted that while addressing misinformation is crucial, it is not a standalone solution. In regions with low vaccination rates, PAHO encourages the use of tools like microplanning and insights into social and behavioral drivers to better understand community perceptions and logistical barriers. Through these guidelines, PAHO aims to bolster vaccine confidence, strengthen national immunization programs, and sustain the Americas’ leadership in vaccination, a cornerstone of public health achievement in the region.
-
Long-delayed Accident and Emergency at PMH to be completed by late 2025
After years of persistent delays and shifting timelines, the much-anticipated Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department at Princess Margaret Hospital is now projected to open by the end of 2025. Initially announced with high hopes in 2023, the project has encountered numerous setbacks, including equipment delays and repeated revisions to its completion schedule. Originally slated for a 2023 launch, the opening was first postponed to August, then to October, but the facility remains non-operational.
Aubynette Rolle, Managing Director of the Public Hospitals Authority, revealed that the final phase of the project hinges on the installation of a critical cooling system, known as the DX system, which is essential for regulating airflow in the new unit. Earlier plans to utilize the hospital’s existing system were deemed insufficient, prompting the need for this upgrade.
Rolle emphasized that contractors are currently preparing the space for operations, with furniture, fixtures, and equipment being installed. She urged the public to remain patient, assuring that officials are committed to ensuring the facility is fully equipped before opening. While expressing cautious optimism about meeting the new target, Rolle acknowledged potential challenges, particularly in importing necessary components.
The A&E expansion is designed to modernize emergency care and alleviate pressure on the hospital’s overcrowded existing department, which has long struggled with extended waiting times, limited space, and staff shortages. Public frustration has mounted over the repeated delays, as the new facility is seen as a critical solution to improving conditions for both patients and healthcare workers.
-
Portland health official cautions public on unsafe coconut water bottling practices
MORANT BAY, Jamaica — Lorenzo Hume, the Chief Public Health Inspector for Portland, has issued a stern warning to the public regarding the potential health hazards associated with improperly bottled coconut water. Speaking at the recent Portland Municipal Corporation monthly meeting in Port Antonio, Hume emphasized the high susceptibility of coconut water to contamination, which can lead to severe food-borne illnesses if not handled correctly.