BVI happy with Jamaican healthcare after tours at Andrews Memorial Hospital and University of West Indies Hospital

The original article can be found in: BVI News

Health Minister Ronnie Skelton said the staff at Peebles Hospital, the patients, and families are pleased with the level of care received at the University of West Indies Hospital in Jamaica when four patients were referred there for trauma care.

The minister was reporting to the House of Assembly this week following a visit to that hospital by a local delegation.

He said: “Our delegation was able to tour the facilities and hold discussions with a view of establishing a Memorandum of Understanding between the Virgin Islands and the University of the West Indies Hospital for the transfer of patients.”

He said the delegation toured several areas of the hospital, including the Accident and Emergency Department, the Imaging Department, the ICU, the Operating Theatre and the Nursery.

Minister Skelton said while on tour they saw the upcoming Hugh Wynter Fertility Management Unit with technology for micro-invasive gynecological and urological surgery, in vitro fertilization, and robotic surgery using the Da Vinci robot. He said other developments on stream are a Basic Science Medical Complex and a new nuclear medicine facility.

The health minister said the highlight of the tour was their visit to the Tony Thwaites Wing – a private wing at the hospital. He said this institution has the support of professional staff and equipment of the University of the West Indies Hospital, but is operated as a private facility with strong private sector collaboration and funding. Additionally, they visited Andrews Memorial Hospital, a small private hospital which provides an option for less complicated trauma and medical cases.

The minister said he saw their visit as an incredible opportunity, not only to receive health services from the Jamaican health sector, but also to strengthen regional integration with the Jamaican health system.

“I can honestly say that our trip was productive and formal agreements for accessing care in panama and Jamaica are now being considered,” he said.

The minister said the trip to Jamaica and Panama is aimed at establishing strategic partnerships as the government seeks to enhance the local health care system.

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