Health

COVID Vaccine 90 per cent effective at keeping you alive says Hospitals CEO

Published

3 years ago

August 27, 2021

#TurksandCaicos, August 27, 2021 – The wall of defence which approved vaccines had given to their takers has been compromised, significantly. Health agencies around the world continue to warn that the efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines has been cut down, 30 to 60 per cent since the emergence and insurgence of the delta strain of the coronavirus. While the continually changing facts about the virus and the vaccine have caused a boom in uptake, it has also resulted in increased skepticism about the integrity of information.

Doctors speaking to the Turks and Caicos general public however advise waiting or rejecting the vaccine is a dangerous posture to take.

Dr. Denise Braithwaite Tennant, CEO of the TCI hospitals was, on Wednesday night during a press conference, adamant that the vaccine still holds up with an 88 per cent rate of keeping you out of hospital and an over 90 per cent rate of keeping you from dying as a result of this fittest and fastest mutation.

“Fifty-six per cent of those patients required high-flow oxygen to care for them along with our other therapies and 44 per cent required use of the ventilator. That is high.”

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) still struggles to reach its initial target of a 70 per cent vaccination rate, on the way to herd immunity of 85 per cent. The marks are missed as vaccine interest has waned.

“Despite the accessibility of the vaccine throughout the country to residents, including 12 to 15 year olds the pace of the vaccine roll out has significantly slowed in recent weeks despite our best efforts. An analysis of the data captured in our electronic immunisation register highlights that approximately 35.8 per cent of 16-24 years age group, 39.4 per cent having received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Nadia Astwood, TCI Chief Medical Officer (CMO).

The CMO informed this group is concerning as the youth are more likely to flout health protocols like mask wearing and are the ones populating social gatherings. The CMO believes the high un-vaccinated rate has the potential to hurt a return to face-to-face learning at school.

“Persons in this age group need to come forward and be vaccinated to protect themselves as well as vulnerable persons who may be in contact with them.”

Dr. Braithwaite Tenant shared demographics of some of the more recent hospital cases including 60 per cent being under 60 years old, 70 per cent being women and 70 per cent having pre-existing conditions like hypertension, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Turks and Caicos hospitals has been supported by Government in a temporary human resource solution, as it struggles to identify long-term medical staff.

“We have the continued support of the Cuban brigade with us, which helps us with our buffer supply. We have had progressive recruitment of our nurses to hire. We’ve been in Canada, the UK however we have aggressive ongoing recruitment to replace these vacancies.”

The motivation for her passionate plea for residents to get vaccinated emerged from health report on the current situation in Turks and Caicos amidst what was confirmed as the “third wave” of the coronavirus. Knowledge shared about the herculean task to get TCI residents to medical treatment abroad coupled with an over capacity Providenciales medical facility are hoped to move more people to get the jab.

“I would like to thank the team at the National Health Insurance Board , who worked around the clock, under challenging circumstances to find ICU care and ICU beds for our patients when the hospitals in their networks were themselves, experiencing their own demands to provide care to their community,” she said as more light is now being shed on the chronic threat which exists to the Medical Treatment Abroad Program.

Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tenant, informed her main facility is at 105 per cent capacity and while the majority of the beds are not taken up by Covid 19 patients, they are still full.

“You can see that during this pandemic with its peaks and troughs, bed capacity is often challenged as a result of the increased hospitalisations and surges. It’s very important that you are aware and kept abreast because I hope this information will help you to make a decision about the Covid-19 vaccine and the importance it plays – as Dr. Astwood mentioned earlier – in the reduction of hospitalisations and the saving of lives to protect our small, but very hearty health care system and hospital.” said Dr. Braithwaite-Tenant.

The Cheshire Hall Medical Centre (CHMC) located in Providenciales is a 20-bed facility; currently 21 of those beds were, up to Wednesday, occupied. The Cockburn Town Medical Centre (CTMC) in Grand Turk is a 10 bed facility; 90 per cent of capacity is currently in use. Both centres have sufficient oxygen supply, using the newly installed oxygen generation system which has been a major stride in TCI health care.

“However, we do have our expansion beds available both in our day room and our outpatient; extra beds have already been pre-deployed and they are available,” she said about the Providenciales hospital.

One of three COVID patients at the CHMC had to be medically evacuated; the remaining patients were undergoing oxygen and other therapies. As many as eight have had to be put on ventilator, 56 per cent of the COVID patients have needed high flow oxygen and 70 per cent of those hospitalised with the coronavirus have been women.

Turks and Caicos is now with 69 active cases, nine of them new and all of those were identified in Providenciales. There are two people hospitalised for the virus.

Related Topics:#covid19vaccinations #denisebraithwaite #magneticmedianews #TCIHospitals

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Deandrea Hamilton

Health

Ministry of Health and Environmental Health Department Address Increased Presence of Flies in Grand Turk and Providenciales

Published

1 week ago

January 3, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 3 January 2025: The Ministry of Health and the Environmental Health Department are aware of concerns regarding the noticeable increase in the presence of flies, particularly on the islands of Grand Turk and Providenciales. This issue has been affecting both residents and visitors, and the Ministry is taking urgent steps to address the situation.

In response to these concerns, several mitigation measures have been implemented. Fly baiting and trapping have been intensified in high-traffic areas such as restaurants, markets, and other public spaces to target and reduce the fly population. Additionally, garbage collection services have been increased to eliminate the backlog of waste, which is contributing to the issue. The Environmental Health Department is working closely with contractors to ensure that waste is collected more frequently and in a timely manner.

To further mitigate the situation, the management of landfill operations is involved in the daily compaction and proper covering of incoming waste at the landfill to prevent flies from accessing decomposing materials. A meeting was held with all service contractors for Grand Turk and Providenciales to address the matter urgently, ensuring that all necessary steps are being taken to mitigate the fly issue effectively.

The Ministry of Health and the Environmental Health Department are committed to maintaining public health and ensuring a clean environment. We encourage the public to cooperate by properly disposing of waste and maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings.

We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we work to resolve this issue. For further information, please contact the Environmental Health Department at ehd@gov.tc or 338-2143/44.

Health

Measles Alert for Travelers: Protect Your Family – Vaccination is Key

Published

3 weeks ago

December 19, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 19 December 2024: The Ministry of Health and Human Services urges the public to ensure that their family is fully vaccinated against measles before heading into the winter season. The TCI confirmed two cases of measles in May 2024 and subsequent to this, two cases were identified in the Caribbean region last month.

If you are planning to travel outside of the TCI during the holiday season or otherwise and you are under or unvaccinated, you may be at risk of contracting measles. Check your vaccination status before you go and ensure that you are fully vaccinated before you travel.

Key facts about measles:

Measles is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus.
Measles spreads easily between people who are under or unvaccinated.
The measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine is your best defense against Measles. The vaccine is safe, effective, and available for free at government-operated Primary Health Care clinics.
Symptoms typically start between 10 and 12 days after catching the infection. The signs and symptoms of measles are:
- A high fever (39.1 degrees Celsius or 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Runny or blocked nose
- Cough
- Red, sore, watery eyes
- Small greyish-white spots with a bluish-white centre inside the mouth, cheek, and throat may appear a few days later.

A rash usually appears 2-4 days after the cold-like symptoms start. The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. Measles spreads through:

Close contact with an infected person
Droplets from coughs or sneezes
Touching contaminated surfaces someone has cough or sneezed on

Measles spreads easily within households and in other places where people mix closely together. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people close to that person who are not vaccinated will also become infected. The period when a person can spread the virus most is within 7 to 10 days of exposure but can be up to 14 days.

What should you do to keep yourself, your family and community safe from measles?

Check Vaccination Records
- Ensure that you and your children have received both doses of the MMR vaccine. If you are unsure, contact your healthcare provider or your local clinic immediately.
Recognise Symptoms
- If you or your child develop a fever with a rash, seek medical attention promptly. Early detection helps prevent the spread of measles.
Practice Prevention
- Encourage proper hygiene, such as covering coughs and sneezes and frequent handwashing, to reduce the risk of infection.

While the TCI has high vaccination coverage in the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) (>95%), unvaccinated persons can still acquire measles through contact with an infectious person.

Have a safe and measles-free holiday season.

For more information or to schedule a vaccination, call 649-338-5469 or visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

Health

Department of Behavioural Health Services Issues Advisory on the Risks of Vaping and E-Cigarettes, Particularly Among Adolescents

Published

4 weeks ago

December 18, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF

BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH SERVICES

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 18 December 2024:The Department of Behavioural Health Services (DBHS) wishes to address the growing use of vapes and e-cigarettes, particularly among adolescents, and to raise awareness about the associated health risks. While the use of these products may not be immediately visible in our communities, it is an issue that warrants attention due to its potential impact on the health and well-being of young people.

Vaping and e-cigarettes are often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco smoking. However, it is important to understand that these products are not without significant risks, particularly for adolescents whose bodies and brains are still developing.

Health Risks of Vaping and E-Cigarettes

Despite the perception that vaping may be a harmless activity, research indicates that it can pose several risks, especially to young people. These risks include:

Nicotine Addiction: Many e-cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can have long-term effects on the developing brain, leading to difficulties with concentration, memory, and emotional regulation.
Respiratory Issues: The inhalation of chemicals present in e-cigarette vapor can damage the lungs, potentially leading to respiratory problems and increasing susceptibility to infections.
Damage to Vocal Cords: The inhalation of e-cigarette vapor can irritate the delicate tissues of the vocal cords, leading to inflammation, dryness, and hoarseness. Over time, this can result in chronic voice problems, including a raspy voice or difficulty speaking.
Increased Risk of Laryngitis: Vaping can cause irritation of the larynx (voice box), making individuals more prone to laryngitis, which is an inflammation of the vocal cords. This condition can cause a sore throat, difficulty speaking, and in severe cases, loss of voice.
Mental Health Effects: Studies suggest that the use of e-cigarettes may contribute to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges among adolescents.
Gateway to Smoking: There is evidence to suggest that e-cigarette use can serve as a gateway to the use of traditional tobacco products and other substances.

Recognising the Issue in Our Communities

While vaping may not be as prevalent or immediately apparent in our communities as other public health issues, it is important to recognize that it is a growing concern. The appeal of e-cigarettes, particularly to youth, is influenced by attractive flavors and marketing that may not fully convey the potential harms. We are aware of cases where adolescents have been affected, and as such, it is imperative that we address this issue through informed discussions and proactive measures.

The Tobacco Ordinance and Special Considerations

The Turks and Caicos Islands has an established tobacco ordinance aimed at regulating the sale and use of tobacco products. However, the use of vapes and e-cigarettes presents unique challenges that require specific attention. Given the increased use of these products among young people, it is crucial to highlight the risks associated with vaping and the importance of safeguarding the health of our youth.

A Call to Action for Adolescents and the Community

The Department of Behavioural Health Services encourages young people to make informed choices about their health. We understand that curiosity about vaping may arise, but it is important to consider the long-term impact on both physical and mental health. If you are an adolescent or a young adult, we urge you to seek information and support from trusted adults, such as parents, educators, or healthcare professionals, before making decisions regarding the use of these products.

For parents, caregivers, and educators, it is essential to remain vigilant and engage in open conversations with young people about the risks of vaping. Support, understanding, and guidance are key to helping young people make healthy choices.

The Department of Behavioural Health Services remains committed to providing resources and assistance to individuals, families, and communities who need support in addressing the issue of vaping.

For more information or to seek support, please contact the Department of Behavioural Health Services on the following numbers; 338-3613 Grand Turk, 338-3616 Providenciales . Be sure to visit our website www.gov.tc/dmhsd and follow our social media accounts www.facebook.com/TCIDBHS and @TCIDBHS on Instagram. Additionally, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services’ Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.