The Interview: April - June 2020

THE

Story on Page 9

INSIDE THE ISSUE

HELP US STOP THE SPREAD.

•

Resort group donates 17 ventilators to TCI Government to support hospital care

•

Cuban medical contingent arrives in TCI to support COVID-19 National Response

•

Outpatient Department retrofitted as part of surge capacity preparations

•

Employees reflect on their tenure at TCI Hospital after a decade of service

•

Spree of donations given to frontline workers during COVID-19 response

WASH YOUR HANDS. WEAR A MASK. WATCH YOUR DISTANCE.

THE INTERVIEW

Balancing COVID-19 and continuity of care: Rise of the new normal

after the first wave Despite the phased relaxation of the 24hour national stay at home order in early May, the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital Command Centre continued to monitor the locally evolving COVID-19 situation.

Both medical centres remained in emergency services only mode while the hospital commenced a cautiously planned and gradual resumption of limited and high priority ambulatory outpatient services over the next several weeks. However, the pace of this process is based on several national and internal indicators.

The indicators include the number of new cases of COVID-19 per day, number of hospital admissions, the outcome of any new modelling and forecasting data and the progress made on the expansion of critical care capacity within the hospital.

At the time, there were collaborative efforts with the TCI Government underway to secure additional clinical human resources and ventilators, which was expected to further bolster the hospital’s capacity to respond to any possible COVID-19 patient surges.

The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season forecast was another variable to consider, and internal preparedness activities were in progress. These are truly uncertain times and continuous risk assessments are required prior to making any major decisions on operational changes.

The multi-phase approach to gradually increase

the

number

of

non-essential

outpatient services and routine diagnostic imaging

services

offered

commenced

during the second week of May 2020.

Phase one(1) encompassed reduced patient volumes to promote social distancing with more

virtual

consultations,

where

appropriate, and in-person presentations, where absolutely necessary due to the nature of the service and clinical concern.

service resumption.

All

patients

continued

mandatory assessment

to

undergo

COVID-19 at

the

a

pre-triage

entrance

of

the

emergency department as a precautionary

Risk Assessment: The hospital’s transition into phase two of the service resumption process was delayed due to the second wave of COVID-19 cases.

measure in order to access the facility.

The hospital was due to transition into phase 2 of the internal service resumption process

in

July.

However,

there

was

another wave of COVID-19 cases detected within the community.Â

During the period of March

active

to

community.

May,

the

island

of

cases

within The

the

hospital

Providenciales recorded an

continued to operate under

initial wave of confirmed

phase

active COVID-19 cases up to

patient volumes to safely

a total of 12 including 1

balance continuity of care

death. Thereafter, a period

for

of inactivity continued for

postponed or cancelled due

several weeks until around

to the mitigation measures

July

implemented in response to

20th

2020,

which

marked the start of a steady resurgence in confirmed Â

one

patients

COVID-19.

with

reduced

that

were

The more we learn the better prepared we are to intervene and prevent worse outcomes.

-Professor Michael Levin

Kawasaki-like syndrome linked to COVID-19 The epidemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing COVID-19, has rapidly spread worldwide.

TCI Hospital Paediatricians, Dr Sani Amatti and Dr

Given the COVID-19 pandemic, the interview sought

Sonia Mera  participated in an interview with local

to raise awareness of what was known about these

news station, People's Television (PTV) in May 2020.

presentations at the time, based on the scientific information available in relevant countries.

The interview examined the clusters of children and adolescents in some countries who required admission

In April, researchers in the UK and several European

to

multi-system

countries with high numbers of COVID-19 cases

inflammatory condition that has some features similar

recognised a new inflammatory syndrome in children

to

that was similar to Kawasaki disease, a rare

intensive those

syndrome.Â

of

care

units

Kawasaki

with

disease

a and

toxic

shock

syndrome known to affect young children.

Medication Reconciliation TCI Hospital General Practitioner, Dr Henry Blythe participated in an interview on Radio Turks and Caicos, Health Matters Show to discuss the importance of Medication Reconciliation with host Audley Malcolm.

The discussion was held in January 2020, and covered a range of areas including the process of medication reconciliation, how patients can assist in the process by bringing their medications during visits to the doctor, why the process is so important and particular groups of patients that are at greater risk of medication errors.

The interview also examined the issue of antimicrobial resistance and the dangers of taking prescription drugs that have not been prescribed by a licensed physician.

The virtual interviews were

"ASK THE DOCTOR" RADIO SHOW

broadcast on the national radio broadcast station, Radio Turks and Caicos over several weeks

Interviews were recorded to underscore the latest hospitalbased measures and the importance of strict compliance with public health guidelines, despite the restored freedom of movement after the removal of a 24-hour national curfew.

InterHealth

Canada

-

Turks

and

Caicos

Islands

Hospital

participated in three virtual radio shows as part of the “Ask the Doctor” series spearheaded by the TCI Government Ministry of Health.

Chief of Medical Services at TCI Hospital, Dr. Denise BraithwaiteTennant examined the core preparedness and response activities from the hospital perspective during the interview. PR and Marketing Manager at TCI Hospital, Nikira John steered the discussion.

Some of the key components of a hospital readiness checklist for COVID-19 were discussed. These included continuity of essential health services and patient care, surge capacity, human resources, consumables, infection prevention and control, case management, surveillance, early warning and monitoring.

during the month of May and also shared on social media channels.

The expansion of critical care capacity and surveillance at the secondary health care level became even more important as

the

country

to

relax

restricted movement measures following a 24-hour national curfew.

It was recognized, at the time, that there was an inherent risk of resurgence in the number of confirmed

active

COVID-19

cases associated with relaxed social distancing measures.

However,

Governments

globally are balancing lives (i.e. public health) and livelihoods (i.e. basic human needs) given the economic fallout triggered by the stay at home orders implemented

inorder

to

supress the spread of COVID19.

At some point, hospitals are aware that society will reopen in some shape or form and processes and pathways must be reengineered to adapt to the new environment.

Resorts Donate 17 VENTILATORS DONATED BY TCI COLLECTION

The Turks and Caicos Collection, a group of local resorts, donated 17 ventilators to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government during an official handover ceremony held on Friday, May 15th 2020 at Blue Haven Resort in Providenciales.

The Minister of Health, Honorable Edwin Astwood expressed gratitude for the lifesaving machines, which are critical to the ongoing COVID-19 national response.

During his remarks, the Minister extended words of appreciation to the Chief Operating Officer of the Turks and Caicos Collection Luxury Resorts, Mr. Armando Pizzuti for the timely donation.

He described it as an early Christmas gift to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Honorable Minister stated: “This gift warms my heart to see the private sector step up in such a way.

Each one of these machines represents a life saving device if things go bad. It is like a fire truck we have it and we pray we don’t have to use it."

He continued: "We pay the fire fighters every day even if we don’t have a fire because it is better to have it than not to have it. The same applies to these ventilators. We pray that we don’t need them, but in the event we do, we have them.”

THE INTERVIEW

The receipt of the 17 brand new ventilators further increases the critical care capacity within the Turks and Caicos Islands at the secondary health care level.

During the handover ceremony, Mr. Armando Pizzuti stated: “On March 5th or 6th, a decision was made to support any and every effort of the Turks and Caicos -what can we do?

We received some information from doctors and it was said that ventilators are the way to go, so we pulled the trigger on that to assist the Turks and Caicos in this pandemic. Together, we can solve this. I would like to thank you Hon. Astwood and the Ministry for the incredible job that you have done”.

Caroline Van Scheltinga, Chairman and CEO of TCI Collection Group, also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Health for the approach taken in the COVID-19 response. She stated: “We saw the horror story at the beginning of March. We saw the horror in Italy and we hope that these ventilators are part of capacity building. I admire the day Hon. Astwood you said in the house “I regret the day we let our laboratories go”. I know that you will never let them go again.”

She continued: “I am grateful to be standing here today healthy because of the actions taken even though they were hard we are better for it, I look forward to Turks and Caicos having the best health care system in the Caribbean.”

Following the handover ceremony at Blue Haven Resort, the ventilators were delivered to the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital for a second handover.

Mrs. Florinda Talbot, TCI Government Director of Contract Management gave remarks on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Agriculture Sports and Human Services and the Honorable Minister of Health, Edwin Astwood.

Daniel Carriere, Chief Executive Officer at InterHealth Canada - TCI Hospital, and Dr Denise BraithwaiteTennant, Chief of Medical Services at InterHealth Canada - TCI Hospital, received the ventilators on behalf of the secondary healthcare facility.

Press Release published by TCI Government

THE INTERVIEW

NEWS

HOSPITAL WORKERS RECEIVE STANDING OVATION DURING SPECIAL AWARDS Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the health care facility paused to express gratitude.

Employees at the Turks and

Of the total, 95 employees

This

Caicos

Hospital

were recipients of awards for

highlight

standing

ovation

their 10 years of service, and

departments and persons - on

special

awards

55

the frontline and behind the

Islands

received along

a

with

employees

with

tenures

showcase the

gamut

of

between 5 to 9 years also

scenes

initiative held simultaneously

received long service awards.

sustain secondary health care

across

and

Employees with tenures under

operations.

Cockburn Town Medical Centre

5 years received certificates of

on Friday, June 12th 2020.

recognition.

a

staff

Cheshire

Hall

InterHealth

that

to

appreciation

during

-

sought

support

Canada

–

and

TCI

Hospital speakers comprised of Nearly 300 employees were

During

recognized for their true profile

representative

of

clinical

courage,

hard

work

and

the

program,

a

Chief of Medical Services and

sample

of

Acting Chief Executive Officer,

non-clinical

Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant

across

and

and stood

the

General

Manager

of

dedication during the local peak

employees

COVID-19 period, and the past

balcony overlooking the main

Facilities,

10 years.

foyers of each medical centre.

Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.

Site

Martin

Director

Dawtry

for

Town Medical Centre,

at

Cockburn

A DECADE OF HEALTH CARE IN THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS Nurse Carol Reid and Director of Facilities Services,

The equally special and modest version of the

Karen Bartholomew gave remarks at the Grand Turk

appreciation initiative was focused on long service

facility

awards. Special awards were reserved for issuance

on

behalf

of

the

private

healthcare

management company.

at a later date to facilitate committee nominations and all staff voting.

His Excellency, Governor Nigel Dakin, Premier of the Turks

and

Caicos

Islands,

Honorable

Sharlene

The reserved awards are Heart of a Champion

Cartwright-Robinson, and Past Minister of Health,

(Unsung Hero), Standing Ovation Award (Leader of

Honorable Royal Robinson who served as project

the Year), The Diamond Award (Employee of the

lead in the hospital’s early development, were

Year) and Community Champion of the Year.

present and gave remarks at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.

Local Singing Sensation, Chrystal ‘Tess’ Charles, gracefully performed the song entitled ‘Good Job’,

Her Excellency, Deputy Governor Anya Williams and

which

Chief Nursing Officer within the Ministry of Health

American Artist, Alicia Keys as a dedication to

– Primary Healthcare Department, Jackurlyn Sutton,

essential service workers. The original music video

were present and gave remarks at Cockburn Town

along with the song ‘Thank You’ produced by Local

Medical

Artist David Lightbourne was also played across

Centre

on

behalf

of

the

TCI

Government. The organization marked 10 years of

was

recently

written

and

debuted

by

hospital waiting room televisions.

service on April 10th 2020 and was initially scheduled to host its’ first hospital-wide employee

Motivational messages from management were on

recognition awards to mark the occasion. However,

display throughout the day and remarks were sent to

plans for the observance were set aside due to

staff from the InterHealth Canada - Board of

COVID-19

Directors. Trinkets of appreciation with a team-

preparations.

global

predictions

and

national

centered message were distributed to staff over recent weeks. The staff giveaways multiplied even further via acts of kindness and physical surprise donations received from community members.

1. Provide an overview of your first

During my early years working with

day working at the facility? Cite any

InterHealth Canada I did keep an open

memorable persons that assisted you

mind as to how long I would remain

in getting through the day, week and

with the company. Two significant

first month?

factors that influenced my stay were: (1) the sense of family that we were able to

I had the honor of being the

foster as a team at CTMC and (2) the

doctor on duty covering the very first

warmth of the people in the nation’s

shift in the emergency room of the

capital with whom my family felt so

newly opened Cockburn Town Medical

much at home.

centre in Grand Turk. Of course that shift began at 12am on April 10, 2010; I

3. Do you feel you have grown

recall that shift as if it were only

professionally during your tenure? If

yesterday. Our first patient walked in at

so, in what way?

approximately 7am to a grand VIP reception by the staff then present. I

I have certainly grown professionally

have had the opportunity to run into

during my tenure here. I am of the

her a few times since, and surely we did

opinion that when I first joined this

reminisce

first

organization I was not as caring and

encounter. Much preparation had gone

compassionate as I think I am now.

into ensuring that the transition from

Certainly the core values upheld by this

the old hospital to the new went

institution have made me a better

seamless,

The

physician. I have come to appreciate the

physician team on day 1 at CTMC

impact of my words, attitudes and

comprised

Wonner

actions on patient care, and likewise

(surgeon), George Northrop (internist),

have a more mature concept of the

Maria Ventura (paediatrician), Luis

golden rule, humility and great care.

Guillen

on

and

that

indeed

Doctors;

(OBGYN),

it Alex

Tony

did.

Wilton

(anaesthesist), plus four GPs - Gideon

4. What has been one of your

Human,

proudest moments at TCI Hospital?

Umo

Umoh,

Antrieve

Benjamin, and Henry Blythe.

My proudest moments at TCI hospital 2. Did you expect to remain at the

centers

hospital for 10 years? If not, what

achievements. I am proud to be part of a

around

our

accreditation

motivated you to stay with the

team that’s committed to delivering the

organization?

highest quality care possible.

To have been awarded Diamond level accreditation on three consecutive occasions was no small feat. It speaks to the dedication of my co-workers at all level in ensuring that best practices are upheld at all cost. The people of the TCI deserve no less and I am proud to be part of a team that makes it happen.

5. What is your hope for the company in the future?

My hope for the company as we go forward is that all employees, new and old, will catch onto the core values articulated by the institution. I want to see our vision come alive in that we are “naturally excellent, where everyone is envious of our culture and customers receive the full benefit of our quality obsession.”

Tucker. They were the twin engine, the organizers. With a driving force they pulled forward, we had no choice but to get on board. We started with eight hour shifts and every shift was buzzing with getting our material resources together. Doctors Denise Braithwaite and Doctor Henry Blythe were just as enthusiastic in seeing the hospital take off running.

Different cultures with accents so deep at times one had to listen with eyes and ears.

Different

personalities

were

working together in what seemed like chaos but, in all of what seemed like chaos it brought order giving birth to It was the buzz of the season, the new

what we call Turks and Caicos Islands

hospital would be opening soon. The day

Hospital today.Expectations were high

finally arrived April 10, 2010 when the

as we anticipated what should have

doors of the new hospital swung open to

been a paperless institution. How were

embrace

the

we going to pull that off? Computers

community and those who would arrive

the

patients

only!! What about those of us who did

via cruise ship or airways. As we looked

not type? We would be punching one

around we could see the distinct white

key at a time, searching for the next

and blue standing tall above the other

letter, then punch again. Of course the

buildings

computers were not at all ready so we

with

walkways,

its

well

designed space,

started out with big yellow note pads

flower gardens in progress, healing

and little pocket books, documenting

garden! This was unheard of in the

everything

West Indies. Interhealth Canada was

important. I recall we were clearly

taking it to the next level. Great

instructed to set up an appointment

ambiance, new faces, new equipment,

system especially for those who would

installing and testing of phones, the

be having regular dressing change and

buzz of activities, the smell of freshly

of course that we did. However there

painted walls, everything smelt new,

were a few disgruntled individuals who

boxes, metal, plastic, busy hands and

did not adapt well to the change so they

some even had a little fun time bursting

were

the

scheduled time.

bubble

outlined

from

parking

wrappers

whether

by

still

that

we

arriving

thought

was

outside

their

squeezing for that pop or stomping on the wrapper. Above the tumult of

There were individuals who are note

everything else chattering of different

worthy, who assisted me and who also

dialects could be heard all around

brought work order to the whole

punctuated by laughter as we share.

dynamics of things. They were also

New heads combined with those who

trying

have seen the seasons before Interhealth

including mine. They include Mister

Canada shared new ideas.

Meleck Cummings and Nurse Dian

to

meet

everybody’s

needs

To give the highest level of patient care was their first agendum. I was one of Dr Braithwaite’s early patients when I had that allergic reaction in one of the meetings and she was right behind me as I left the room she even gave me my first injection of the many others I would receive at Interhealthcanada. The aim was to make it the best hospital in the western hemisphere; also to make it the envy of the Caribbean. Dr Braithwaite’s expression which resonates with me today is “we can get it done”. Dr. Henry Blythe I barely knew him but he stood out as a real brother in the department. He brought balance, he was a teacher in his own rights, and he had a contagious smile which made work lighter. He often smiles but if he needs to correct an individual he would be firm but gentle. If whatever you put on does not look proper he will address it. If I wrote something and it did not sound proper he would surely address it. I must say thank you to these individuals you are real builders, ideal team players; you are real leaders, cheers.We had training sessions on Mister Nexus; initially it was a little challenging for some of us; however we had to learn it because this is what we would be using. We started off a little slowly but we caught on and away we went.There were multiple meetings with accents which were a little unclear at times so we relied heavily on each other to unravel the tongues. Nine out of ten times it would have been Mister Meleck Cummings who would do the unraveling. I am glad we had him.

For some folks this was the long awaited new hospital bigger and better. For others it was just simply wait and see.

1. Provide an overview of your first

Initially, I had no intention of staying at

day working at the facility? Cite any

the hospital for 10 years for several

memorable persons that assisted you

reasons, one of which was the seemingly

in getting through the day, week and

limited scope for advancement. I was

first month?

mostly content with my life in Grand Turk. The work-life balance was great

Coming from the old hospital, I faced

April

great

first five years represented a time in my

anticipation mixed with a degree of

work life that I experienced teamwork

apprehension primarily because the

at its best. I never felt that I had to

transition was far from seamless. The

defend my position in the laboratory or

days immediately prior to the opening

accept blame for a situation that went

were spent trafficking salvageable items

awry, we had a team that truly worked

and equipment from the old hospital

together building and embracing a new

laboratory to our new scaled down

culture and standing by each other to

laboratory at Cockburn Town. We were

make it (the job) happen. I remembered

down from a four-member team to two

with much fondness when I was called

and from a full-service laboratory to a

out one night to analyze some samples

stat lab – and therein laid the element

for a patient. I had to bring the babies

of uncertainty and disappointment for

out in their little car seats because I was

me. As Akela and I took our positions in

home alone with them. The security

our brand new laboratory, there were

guard on duty that night (Rolex, GT)

not only new equipment to get used to,

met me at my front door to help me tote

but

new

them to the hospital vehicle, then to the

colleagues. Jane Mealey, who we had

emergency room. As I walked through

met while the building was under

the door, Dr Braithwaite and the nurses

construction,

first

were waiting to receive them. They

morning to help us settle in. As the day

watched my boys so I could deliver the

went by, we began to fall into our roles

results they needed to make a medical

grateful that it was Saturday hence we

decision for the patient. The patient’s

never had to deal with the general

mother gave me a big hug and thanked

public on our first day.

me for coming out, babies and all to

also

10,

new

2010

systems

was

there

with

and hospital staff felt like family. That

and

that

help sort out her son. If that wasn’t love 2. Did you expect to remain at the

and teamwork at its finest! That was

hospital for 10 years? If not, what

indeed motivation to stay!

motivated you to stay with the organization?

3. Do you feel you have grown professionally during your tenure? If so, in what way?

I believe I have grown professionally during my tenure at the hospital. The bar was raised the minute we walked in and I had to step up in order to cross it. In my other places of work, everything was in place prior to me starting my period of employment. This was different – a brand new hospital which required the team to contribute to the development of standards and procedures, resolving teething issues, contribute significantly to problem solving – all

while

building

relationships

with

our

meaningful peers

and

work other

members of the healthcare team. All that storming and normalizing forced me towards professional growth and development. The high point was being able to carry out and publish a research directly linked to my everyday work.

COUGH & SNEEZE ETIQUETTE

COVID-19 Proper cough and sneeze etiquette helps to prevent the spread of germs that can make you and others sick. It's simple, remember to cover your cough.

According to The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, cough etiquette is important for infection control measures in healthcare settings such as doctor’s offices and emergency departments, as well as clinics. It’s also important to practice proper etiquette at your workplace or anywhere where there are crowds of people.

3

Don’t have a tissue? Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.

4

Remember to wash your hands with warm soap and water after coughing or sneezing.

5

It’s important to keep your hands clean as many viruses are spread by not washing your hands properly with soap and clean, running water.

6

If soap and water are unavailable, use an hand sanitiser containing at least 70% alcohol.

COVER YOUR COUGH

1

It is important to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze.

2

Place your used tissue into the trash bin. Don’t leave used tissues around on chairs, desks or other shared areas.

Senior representatives of the TCI Government, TCI Hospital, Primary Health Department along with Cuban Medical Contingent

A Cuban medical contingent arrived in the Turks and Caicos Islands on Monday June 15th, 2020 to provide additional medical support to the country in response to the Coronavirus and other medical issues. Their first day at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre was on June 29th following the completion of a mandatory 14-day quarantine.

The team of 9 medical doctors, 10 registered nurses and 1 health care administrator commenced their inperson orientation and electronic medical records (EMR) system training sessions today at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre as the pathway to become fully engaged in patient care.

During the 14-day quarantine, the medical contingent was virtually engaged via orientation sessions, team meetings three times per week, and members were also required to review the hospital’s policies and procedures.

The team underwent a one week hands-on induction to the hospital’s computerized system, medical equipment, hospital tour and shadowing of clinical and medical teams.The Cuban medical contingent provides a wealth of additional expertise and represents one component of the TCIG-led efforts to expand critical care capacity within the country due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Members of the general public are urged to maintain strict compliance with public health guidelines given the sudden increase in confirmed active cases. These guidelines include wearing a mask or face covering, social distancing, wash and sanitise hands frequently, and clean high touch surfaces.

Commenting on the arrival of the Cuban medical contingent, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, Her Excellency Anya Williams stated: "Following several weeks of successful negotiations with the Cuban Government, we are pleased to welcome the Medical Brigade to the Turks and Caicos Islands.We extend our sincere thanks to the Vice-Minister in charge of International Cooperation Affairs in the Cuban Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Marcia Cobas for her kind consideration as well as the delegation at the Cuban Embassy in Jamaica, in particular the Head of Mission Ambassador Inez Fors Fernandez and her assistant Yasnay Perez as well as our colleagues at the British Embassy in Cuba for their direct assistance in progressing this initiative.

Some members of the Cuban physician team on their first day at the hospital.

"The Turks and Caicos has signed a three month agreement with Cuba for the provision of additional medical support to the TCI with the option to extend for a further term if necessary. The brigade consists of 9 Medical Specialist including a Chief of Brigade, 10 Registered Nurses and an Administrative Assistant. As their areas of specialty span across a number of areas, they will be a great resource to not only our response to the Coronavirus, but also to other medical concerns being experienced by residents in the TCI." She continued: "We are pleased to embark on this new joint venture with Cuba and will continue to work to improve our medical capacity in the Turks and Caicos through the recruitment of additional staff in the Ministry of Health, as necessary.�

The Minister of Health, Honourable Edwin Astwood, who is responsible for leading the coronavirus response in the Turks and Caicos Islands, stated: “My ministry warmly welcomes the arrival of the Cuban Medical Brigade, which will provide much needed additional support in response to the threat of the coronavirus in the Turks and Caicos Islands."

Some members of the Cuban nursing team during the induction process.

THE INTERVIEW

OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT RENOVATION COVID-19 Hospital Capacity and Surge Preparations

Expansion of Critical Care Capacity Critical renovation work for economy reopening A total of 12 rooms in the outpatient department are now equipped with medical gas lines and electrical fixtures to support ventilator connections following a renovation exercise that commenced in mid June. The renovation project was a collaborative effort to expand the country's critical care capacity and provide greater access to aggressive respiratory support, where required, as part of the national COVID-19 response international flights.

and

reopening

of

local

borders

to

Brand-new Hamilton G5 ventilators were used to test the newly installed medical gas lines on July 3rd 2020. A total of six (6) of these ventilators were received from Public Health England in partnership with the TCI Government to expand the number of ventilators available across both medical centres.

MULTIPURPOSE SPACE The clinical area can be utilised for multiple purposes.

A MAJOR STEP IN THE PLAN Critical steps to monitor hospital capacity and respond to any patient surge needs.

The completion of the renovation was a major step in the plans to expand critical care capacity in response to COVID-19. The other pending components are related to the supply and installation of an oxygen generator along with the receipt of additional equipment from the TCI Government - Ministry of Health. These elements and others are under active discussion and procurement.

During a national lockdown, outpatient services are normally downscaled to divert human resources to the emergency response. Therefore, under these circumstances and in the case of adverse patient surges, the outpatient department rooms will serve as a multipurpose space to deliver advanced clinical care — contingent upon staff and equipment availability — once renovation works are complete.

Designated rooms on the general ward are currently the location used for the isolation and clinical management of patients affected with COVID-19, and shall remain the primary location once the capacity exists.

Images

of

works

underway

in

the

Outpatient

Department. The HAMILTON G5 is Hamilton Medical's most modular, high end mechanical ventilator and was used to test medical gas lines following the renovation.

The project is funded and directed independently by the TCI Government – Ministry of Health. InterHealth Canada, the hospital’s private health care management company, is specifically responsible for the application of infection prevention and control (IPC) and general safety processes once construction workers are onsite along with the coordination of clinic scheduling and patient flows.

In partnership with key stakeholders in the Ministry of Health and Military of Defense, the company’s role is also to advise TCI Government – Ministry of Health on the clinical human resource needs and the most suitable medical equipment to ensure compatibility with existing hardware, clinical needs and planned preventative maintenance requirements.

COVID-19 NATIONAL RESPONSE

Premier Reviews Outcome of Renovation Project and meets the Cuban Medical Contingent

The Premier of the Turks and

Representatives of the hospital’s

Caicos Islands, Honorable Sharlene

Biomedical

Cartwright-Robinson visited the

Department

Outpatient Department (OPD) at

Management, gave an overview of

Cheshire Hall Medical Centre on

the new Hamilton G5 ventilators

Tuesday,

and the recently installed medical

July

7th,

2020,

to

examine the outcome of recent

Engineering and

Facilities

gas lines and electrical sockets.

renovation work, and officially meet

the

medical

These latest fixtures may appear

contingent for the first time.

unnoticeable to the layman, but

Minister

of

Youth,

the recent works were crucial to

Culture,

Social

and

Library

support

Honorable

Karen

Services,

Cuban Education,

Malcolm was also present.

additional

connections

ventilator

inside

consultation rooms in the event of a COVID-19 patient surge.

The

renovation

work

was

completed several days ahead of schedule. TCI Hospital Chief of Medical

Services,

Dr.

Denise

Braithwaite-Tennant, escorted the Premier and Minister of Education during the visit.

the

COVID-19 RESPONSE

"WE RECOGNISE THAT YOU HAVE PUT YOUR LIVES ON THE LINE IN THIS BATTLE." The Premier and Minister of Education exited the Outpatient Department and proceeded to the outdoor Healing Garden to meet a representative sample of doctors and nurses from the Cuban medical contingent. The medical team received their licenses to practice in the Turks and Caicos Islands yesterday as part of the COVID-19 response. This was a jovial moment for the contingent, which has undergone a 14-day quarantine followed by mandatory one-week hands-on induction pathway since their arrival into the country.

The Premier applauded the Cuban Government and members of the contingent for their bravery and willingness to render their expertise to assist other countries during the current pandemic. She stated: “We recognize that you have put your lives on the line in this battle. Now, you are a part of history in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We are so grateful, and we pray God’s blessing upon you as you serve.

We also pray God’s blessing over your family, as you have left them behind. We pray God’s blessing over Cuba, your leader, and your vision. We have always known Cuba to be excellent in medicine. Now, you have the opportunity to show the world and be a part of representing your country and making history.”

MEDICAL PROTECTIVE COVERALL Rotary Club of Providenciales and Grand Turk Gives Back

The Rotary Club of Providenciales donated 109 medical coveralls to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre on Friday June 26th, 2020.

The personal protective gear provides head to ankle coverage and helps to safeguard employees during the delivery of patient care. The Rotary Club of Grand Turk also gave back to frontline workers at Cockburn Town Medical Centre via the delivery of complimentary fruit bags. Management expressed gratitude for the thoughful acts.

LOVE AT FIRST BITE Health care workers received an outpouring of support from different persons and groups in a variety of ways since the beginning of the COVID-19 national response.

GOT PIZZA? Danny Buoys Restaurant delivered a surprise mountain of pizzas for frontline staff to devour, in reasonable portion sizes.

SWEET TREATS Local Chef, Jago Moore delivered a batch of pastries made with love to the Emergency Department at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.

GRAB AND GO A resident celebrated her 41st birthday by delivering more than 30 brown bag lunches to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. The contents were a healthy grab and go survival kit to get pass a busy day on the job.

'FEELING FRUITY' GOODIES Bethany Baptist Church Children's Division Gives Back

The Bethany Baptist Church Children's Division donated over 30 bags stocked with fruits for distribution to employees on duty in late May. The initiative was intended to show appreciation to health care workers who continued to work around the clock during the COVID-19.

The distribution captured employees from the emergency department and inpatient units to the porters, security guards and housekeepers. Fruits are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals with a wide range of health-boosting antioxidants.

CREATIVE SPIRIT Handmade goodie jars were delivered to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre as part an anonymous donor's charitable effort. Each jar had different inspirational messages on the exterior and were stuffed with a few 'sugar rush' options, for when we need a little one-off boost, without the binge. The jars were accompanied by a devotional book for our female team members.

SING ALONG Music is therapeutic. TCI Hospital distributed miniature bluetooth speakers to employees across all departments for their personal use ahead of the company's staff appreciation awards.

GIFT CARDS An anonymous person donated gift cards to dialysis patients to assist with their personal needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has created hardship for many persons locally and globally.

WORKSTATION HYGIENE

COVID-19 Persons can contract COVID-19 by touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Infected droplets may fall on nearby surfaces and objects. Reduce the risks of secondary transmission.

High touch surfaces such as phones, door handles, light switches, faucet handles and chairs frequently come in contact with hands.

Persons should play close attention to keeping high-touch surfaces clean and disinfected to prevent the spread of viruses. Even if the surface doesn't appear dirty, germs and viruses can easily hide on equipment.

DISINFECT REGULARLY

1

Frequently dust and wipe off pieces of equipment with disinfectant products or wipes.

These low-cost measures can help prevent the spread of infections in your workplace and protect your customers, contractors and employees.

2

4

DONT FORGET TO CLEAN Cell phones, chargers and headphones Personal Spectacles/Eye Glasses Personal equipment such as pens and dictaphones Computer mouse, key pad and mouse mat, memory sticks etc.

Access Passes Desk, drawer handles, chair arms, filing cabinet, cupboard handles etc.

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