News

TCI Hospital Prepares for Ebola

Published

11 years ago

November 7, 2014

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, Thursday, November 6th, 2014: The outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the West African Countries of Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia is a Public Health Emergency of of International concern. The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital has begun its preparedness by the development and implementation of protocols and training activities. The strategies of their preparation are related to early recognition and identification of a suspected patient, patient isolation, strict adherence to infection control protocols, appropriate donning and doffing of PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment) and supportive medical care.

The protocols for management are based on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) guidelines. The TCI Hospital was visited by consultants from PAHO and WHO reviewed the protocols and inspected the facilities at both sites. They expressed confidence on the hospitals preparedness efforts and pledged ongoing technical support through the Ministry of Health and Human Services. The Ministry of Health and Human Services recently conducted a work shop of the clinical and environmental management of Ebola virus disease and the TCI Hospital’s Chief of Medical Services Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant presented on the clinical management and Nurse Surbrena Pedican presented on the donning and doffing of PPEs.

“Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is demonstrating significant and proactive leadership to help our country prepare for and effectively manage any outbreak of Ebola within its many borders”, says CEO Jill Magri. She added, “We are working closely with the Ministry of Health and Human Services, WHO and PAHO as we continue to develop evidence-based international treatment and case management protocols. We have already placed orders for the required supplies and materials to protect our patients and our care providers and a training plan for all staff has been developed. ”

Patients presenting to the TCI Hospital are asked about travel history and contacts to ensure early detection of a suspected case. If a suspected case is identified upon screening the patient is transported to an isolation area that is away from the general patient population and with a separate access. Staff will be adorning PPEs when transporting the patient to the isolation area. The staff at the hospital will contact the Ministry of Health and Human Services as soon as a suspected case is identified. The laboratory confirmation will not be done at the hospital but at the CDC in Atlanta which has facilities for testing Category A type infections. Category A infections are those agents such as Ebola virus, that:

can be easily disseminated or transmitted from person to person;
result in high mortality rates and have the potential for major public health impact;
might cause public panic and social disruption; and
require special action for public health preparedness.

“We do not want to see Ebola virus disease in the Turks and Caicos Islands” says Chief of Medical Services Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant”. She added “We have to plan so that we can be prepared and mitigate the risk of our health care workers becoming infected and avoid transmission of the disease within the community by isolating and effectively treating suspected cases. Part of our training program involves the identification of a rapid response team that can be activated to care for suspected patients. We continue to revise protocols as new updates are published by the CDC, PAHO and WHO.”

TCI Hospital will be providing updates to the community as these plans further develop.

ENDs.

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News

Flow TCI powers Inter-High Track and Field Championships

Published

4 days ago

March 5, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.

As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.

“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.

“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”

The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.

Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.

Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

News

Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

Published

5 days ago

March 5, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders, executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.

Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.

In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.

The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.

This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.

Health

TCI Hospital Celebrates Successful “Heart Strong TCI” Initiative During Heart Month

Published

7 days ago

March 2, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.

Key Activities Included:

Educational Training Sessions

Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.

House Call Talk Show Feature

A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.

Red Fridays Awareness Campaign

Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.

Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run

In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.

Digital Health Education Campaign

To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.

Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment

While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:

Community-based education initiatives
Preventative screening and early detection programs
Lifestyle and wellness promotion
Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes

“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”

For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc

About TCI Hospital

TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.