By Lindsay Thompson
Bahamas Information Services
 

NASSAU, The Bahamas –– In an effort to strengthen the public health system in the country, the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Inter-American Development Bank facilitated the signing of an estimated $2 million contract for the National Reference Laboratory.  The contract signing ceremony was held during a press conference at the Ministry of Health and Wellness on Meeting Street on Monday, May 5, 2025.

The agreement was entered into with Scorpio Construction Ltd., following a competitive bidding process.  The project is being carried out in partnership with the IDB for Health System Strengthening.

“Today marks an important milestone for my ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the public health system of The Bahamas,” said Minister of Health and Wellness the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville.

The reference lab will be located at the former Mortgage Corporation Building on Russell Road in Oakes Field and will provide accessible services in New Providence.  Dr. Darville pointed out that in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian in 2019, healthcare facilities sustained an estimated $37.7 million in damage.

With construction of new ones, and renovations to healthcare facilities throughout the country, the ministry is focusing on three main areas:
resilience to natural disasters; sustainability and energy efficient design incorporating EDGE “green building” certification; and adequate design for infectious diseases.

Joana Pascual, IDB Group Chief of Operations/The Bahamas underscored the importance of IDB’s support in such undertakings.

“The health programme is an important aspect of the IDB’s portfolio in The Bahamas,” she said.

Through two investment loans, one non-reimbursable grant, and one non-reimbursable technical cooperation totalling approximately $65 million, she said that the bank is pleased to support the Government of The Bahamas and The Ministry of Health.

“Through the Health Systems Strengthening Programme of The Bahamas, we will finance renovations to the National Reference Lab (NRL),” she said.

And added, “While labs are essential to providing diagnostic information — data on the efficacy of treatment plans, indications of improvements in patient outcomes, early warnings of public health threats — the National Reference Lab is the central mechanism for ensuring quality and reliability of those results.”

Signatories to the contract were Colin Higgs, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Wellness and representative, Scorpio Construction Ltd.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna

Pictured L-R: Colin Higgs, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Wellness; the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; and Joana Pascual, IDB Group Chief of Operations, The Bahamas.

(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, May 15th, 2025): InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital hosted an engaging and informative Kidney Health Lecture Series, drawing over 300 participants both locally and internationally, including medical professionals and special members of the community. The series focused on the theme “Early Detection is Key” and aimed to raise awareness about the detection, diagnosis, and management of renal disease.

The virtual lectures featured experts in Nephrology and Paediatrics, starting with Dr. Merle Clarke, Consultant Internist/Nephrologist at TCI Hospital. Dr. Clarke presented an overview of the detection, diagnosis, and staging of renal disease in adults, emphasizing the vital role of early detection in improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Zaheeb Choudhry, also a Consultant Nephrologist/Internist/Immunologist at TCI Hospital, provided insights on the comprehensive approach from diagnosis to management of renal disease, discussing clinical management techniques that can enhance patient care.

Further, the series benefitted from presentations by Dr. Sani Amatti, Deputy Chief of Medical Services and Head of Paediatrics & Neonatology, and Dr. Sebastian Ilera, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist. They focused on the detection and management of renal disease in pediatric patients, highlighting the unique challenges faced in treating younger populations.

The lecture series concluded with a session from Dr. Wilmer Rivero, Urologist and Head of Urology Service and Kidney Transplant Surgeon at the International Hospital of Columbia-FCV, together with Dr. Zaheeb Choudhry. Their presentation addressed renal transplantation and access to care in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

All sessions were tailored for medical professionals, allowing participants to earn 1.5 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits per session.

Chief of Medical Services, Dr. Dawn Perry-Ewing and chair of the TCI Hospital’s Academic Committee, expressed her satisfaction with the event, stating, “The Kidney Health Lecture Series is not just an opportunity for learning; it’s a vital platform for enhancing awareness and understanding of renal health issues that affect our community.  We believe that equipping our healthcare professionals with the latest knowledge and best practices is essential in ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care. Early detection and effective management can make a significant difference in outcomes, and it’s our responsibility to spread this message among professionals and the public alike.”

Dr. Denise Braithwaite Tennant, Chief Executive Officer of the TCI Hospital, emphasized the organization’s dedication to community health, “We are exceptionally proud to facilitate this critical dialogue on kidney health within the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our commitment to education and professional development is an integral part of our mission. By hosting events like this, we not only enhance the skills and knowledge of our medical professionals but also strengthen the overall healthcare system in our nation. Together, we can work towards better health outcomes and improved quality of life for our community, making a real impact on renal health and beyond.”

The TCI Hospital extends heartfelt gratitude to all speakers and participants for making the Kidney Health Lecture Series a tremendous success. The TCI Hospital is committed to continuously supporting the community in promoting health awareness and medical education.

(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, May 9th, 2025): InterHealth Canada—TCI Hospital proudly inaugurated Nurses Week with a delightful brunch for the nursing teams of the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. This spirited event, designed to honour nurses’ incredible contributions, was celebrated on Sunday, May 4th, 2025, and was met with an enthusiastic turnout.

Nurses Week is a special time to acknowledge the dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment that nursing professionals exhibit daily in providing exceptional patient care. The TCI Hospital embraced this occasion with a vibrant and engaging program that brought together nurses from various departments, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie, celebration, and gratitude.

In addition to Nurses Week, the event also recognized the BPSO (Best Practice Spotlight Organization) champions who have played a pivotal role in integrating evidence-based practices into the nursing care delivered at the TCI Hospital.

During the brunch, nurses were treated to a fun-filled program featuring engaging activities. The dynamic schedule included interactive games, opportunities for sharing experiences, and a range of delicious culinary offerings, allowing nurses to relax and connect with colleagues.

In attendance and offering remarks of support of Nurses Week was the Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon. Kyle Knowles who said, “Today, we have a special occasion to commemorate as we congratulate InterHealth Canada TCI Hospital on their remarkable achievement in transitioning from a Predesignated Best Practice Organization to an official Registered Nurses Association of Ontario Designated Best Practice Spotlight Organization. This is no small feat, and it speaks volumes about the commitment to excellence in nursing practice and patient care that is deeply embedded in the culture of this institution.

Hon. Knowles acknowledged nurses’ vital role in our healthcare system, “You are the backbone of patient care, providing not only medical expertise but also emotional support and comfort to those in need. Your compassion and dedication make a profound difference in the lives of patients and their families”.

Also bringing remarks was Nurse Alrisa Gardiner, Primary Health Care Manager within the Ministry of Health and Human Services. She elaborated, “I take this opportunity to first congratulate the TCI hospital on this significant achievement. The quality of care that you provide as nurses has contributed greatly to the success of this new designation as Best Practice Spotlight Organization. You should be proud of yourselves, and if no one else cheers for you, I want you to take this opportunity to stand up across the room and cheer for yourselves. This would not have been possible without you. Stay the course. Even if you move on from TCI Hospital, take your standards and best practices wherever you go”.

In congratulatory remarks, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, CEO of InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital, said, “As we celebrate Nurses Week, it’s essential to recognize the hard work and dedication of our nursing teams, from direct patient care to innovative practices in healthcare. The Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital is more than the physical structure but the dedicated and naturally excellent people advancing service excellence and people centred care. The nurses are a part of the life blood of our services and the wider health sector. This brunch is a small token of gratitude for all that they do. It was fantastic to see nurses connecting, celebrating their achievements, and appreciating one another’s efforts; it’s essential for their well-being.”

The kickoff event not only highlighted the importance of the nursing staff but also set a positive tone for the remaining days of Nurses Week. The TCI Hospital aims to continue showing appreciation through its social media platforms throughout the month of May to recognize the commitment and hard work of the nursing teams.

A similar event will be hosted for the nursing teams of the Cockburn Town Medical Centre on May 11th, 2025.