This edition of Nevis 2006 comes coincidentally, at a time when elections are very close at hand. There are so many good and positive topics to write about, that it would have been natural for me to focus on some other, rather than what I’ve decided upon.
However, due to a personal encounter experienced, I’m obliged to focus on Health Care Services and Structures, at this opportune time.
On Friday, June 2nd, my 2-year-old son awoke unusually early in the morning with symptoms of an allergic reaction. His skin was bumpy and he was scratching a great deal. I decided not to take him to the hospital, as there were signs of improvement during the day. However, after about 2 hours (8 pm – 10 pm) trying to get him to sleep, his scratching of the feet and crying, forced me to take him to the Emergency Room for assistance.
A nurse, two other male workers and a young lady, neatly dressed in regular clothing, pleasantly greeted me, outside the ER door. The young lady promptly asked “what’s the matter with your son, or grandson”? I replied, “He won’t sleep”, to which she replied, “Well, we have something here for him”. “Now seriously” I said, “I think he has an allergy because he’s scratching and his skin is bumpy”. She took a quick look at him and in a very confident and professional manner, directed me to a room and instructed me to hold him, for her to examine him thoroughly.
Well, within 15 minutes it was all over. He was given a shot, and I received for him, some “hold-over” medicine and a prescription. Approximately 30 minutes of leaving home, he was back in bed, sleeping soundly, and the problems were solved.
Later, as I lay in bed, my thoughts were, “where else in the world could I go to an emergency room and get such prompt and professional service within 15 minutes”. I called my wife, who herself was on duty as a nurse at another hospital, and she found it astonishing as to what transpired within just half an hour.
This experience prompted me to ask a few questions and I’ll now share some of what I found out, that’s taking place at Alexandra Hospital.
First, the young lady referred to is none other than Dr.Raymonde Rohan (MBBS) daughter of Revs. Alberic & Joyce Rohan. Dr. Rohan commenced her employment at Alexandra Hospital in January this year. She is exemplary and displays a more matured manner than her actual age.
Next, I must thank Permanent Secretary, Mr. St. Clair Wallace and Health Services Administrator, Mr. Kingsley Elliot, for taking time to enlighten me with some of the following information.
We all can observe from just passing on Government Road, that our hospital has been transformed in a wholesome way. The entire facility has been upgraded to the point where it can be basically called, new. The expansion has also made it possible for the different units to be located apart from each other, making each group more comfortable with space and surroundings.
Added to that as well, is the new and recently commissioned Flamboyant Gardens, a home for our seniors. This facility is a gorgeous, state of the art dwelling place, which can accommodate 38 patients. Presently, 18 reside there.
At Alexandra, there are 50 modern, electronic beds, with the necessary amenities attached. There are presently 9 doctors on board, (including 2 on call) providing health care services. Amongst the specialists are surgeons, internist, obstetrics / gynecologist, anesthesiologist, orthopedic surgeon and neurologist.
Management is presently seeking a Pediatrician, a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist, with the eager anticipation of having these additional specialists on board, in the not too distant future.
It is commendable to highlight the fact that a Doctor is on duty 16 hours daily (8 am – 12 mid-night) at the Out Patient room.
Service and treatment at Alexandra has been very highly rated. Visitors, to our island, who have experienced such care, openly expressed their pleasure and satisfaction. Such individuals, among others, have also contributed financially and otherwise, a sign of true appreciation.
Staff members, are for the better part, quite satisfied with conditions at Alexandra. Of course, the usual complaints will surface. However, management has been working on policies and practices, in order to address and positively rectify the concerns.
There has been an Eye Care program going on, where twice a year, doctors from Cuba come to our island to provide such services. This program has been of tremendous benefit to our elder locals especially, and services are provided at clinics through out the island, enabling relatively easy access for our patients.
Health fairs are conducted regularly where blood pressure and other similar tests are carried out. Brochures, other reading materials and give-away items, are usually on hand, for promoting healthy life styles, prevention and safe sex practices, along with other helpful hints and guide lines.
Emergency Medical Technicians have been trained and functional. Efforts are underway to source and obtain additional ambulances, which will be stationed at strategic positions on the island. Discussions have started on putting in place a dialysis unit. However, organizations affiliated with such services have expressed a preference of sharing such specialized areas, in order to make it more feasible.
All in all, things look very good and promising, as far as health care is concerned on Nevis. Continued improvements and investments are being made to provide residents and visitors to our island, the best possible health care services available.
I must now personally congratulate the management and staff at Alexandra Hospital for their sterling services over the years. Special thanks also to Health Minister, Honorable Jean Harris, Mr. Wallace and Mr. Elliott, for being of such great help.
