COVID-19 impacts services at TCI Hospital

#TurksandCaicos, January 15, 2022 – InterHealth Canada- Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital wishes to inform the general public that there has been an impact of COVID-19 on our staffing levels mainly at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and an increased number of persons presenting with viral-type symptoms suggestive of possible COVID-19 through our emergency departments.

Consistent with what is being observed internationally the majority of persons treated in the emergency departments are being safely discharged to home isolation and follow-up by public health. We currently have two adult patients admitted with confirmed COVID-19, vaccinated, and currently in stable condition. The majority of patients admitted with COVID-19 since the COVID-19 vaccination program was launched are unvaccinated.

Contingency staffing plans are in place with the support of the Cuban Brigade. The staff in quarantine are vaccinated and the majority are asymptomatic or with mild symptoms. Our patients are however advised that while we will make all reasonable efforts to avoid delays, they are possible especially for routine appointments at our outpatient department.

We maintain strict infection prevention and control protocols along with deep cleaning and stringent environmental controls. Visitation is coordinated with the next of kin and is restricted to one person per admitted patient, a designated parent remains in the room with the admitted child, COVID-19 screening of visitors is in place, and the family is encouraged to use video and telephone-based communications to support the admitted family.

When coming to your appointment if you do not need to bring an accompanied person please where possible avoid doing so. Children must be accompanied by a parent to all appointments. All persons must maintain strict compliance with the public health measures of wearing a mask or face covering and sanitizing hands when visiting the hospital facility.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital express apologies for any inconvenience caused and thanks to you for your patience at this challenging time as we work to minimize service impacts and keep our patients, staff, and visitors safe.

If you have symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, please stay at home instead of visiting health care facilities and contact the Ministry of Health Hotlines on 2329444 or 3330911. However, if your symptoms are severe, please immediately call 911. Consult with your health care provider regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and booster which has been shown to reduce hospitalizations and death due to COVID-19.