The Interview: April - September 2021

THE

Story on Page 12

INSIDE THE ISSUE

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HELP US STOP THE SPREAD.

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TCI Hospital prepares for accreditation 2021 and conducts readiness assessments

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TCI Hospital relaunches key education programs students

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TCI Hospital plans to introduce patient portal called "MyCareCorner"

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Health care workers compete in Jerusalema dance challenge to win jackpot

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TCI Hospital hosts virtual ethics symposium

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

TCI HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL ASSOCIATION HOST VIRTUAL ETHICS SYMPOSIUM "ETHICS IS KNOWING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHAT YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO DO AND WHAT IS RIGHT TO DO." - AMERICAN SUPREME COURT JUSTICE POTTER STEWART Nearly 250 health practitioners from 15 countries

The key topics included but were not limited to the

participated in a virtual ethics symposium

foundation of hospital-based research, the role of ethics in

hosted by InterHealth Canada - Turks and Caicos

the TCI health research landscape, the role of the National Epidemiology and Research Unit, ethical principles in

Islands Hospital and the TCI Medical Association

research involving human participants, paper-writing

on Thursday, April 29th, 2021. The virtual event

guidelines for health research, and shared experiences in

was held under the theme, “Developing ethical

telemedicine.

competency as a key driver to growing excellence and programs in health research.”

Virtual attendees originated from the Turks and Caicos

The agenda featured a broad range of speakers from

Islands, Bahamas, Canada, Bermuda, Colombia, Egypt,

across the Caribbean region. The presenters comprised of

United Kingdom, Guyana, Jamaica, India, Cayman Islands,

Dr. Henry Blythe, Chair of the Turks and Caicos Islands

St Lucia, Philippines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United

Hospital Ethics Committee (Image 1), Nurse Mary Forbes,

States of America. The post-event survey recorded

President of the Turks and Caicos Islands National Ethics

excellent ratings by respondents who agreed that the

Committee (Image 4), Dr. Shandey Malcolm, National

presentations met their expectations.

Epidemiologist (Image 3), Dr. Derrick Aarons, CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Health Professions Authority and

Commenting on the event, Chief Executive Officer at Turks

Bioethicist (Image 2), Dr. Morton Anthony Frankson, UWI

and Caicos Islands Hospital, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-

School of Clinical Medicine and Research (Image 5), Dr.

Tennant, stated: “Public trust is largely dependent on our

Mauricio Orozco, Vice President of the Research Ethics

ability as professionals to demonstrate ethical competence.

Committee and Researcher, Hospital Internacional de

Virtual technology allows us to network and easily

Colombia (Image 7) and Dr. José Federico Saaibi, Board of

capitalize on opportunities for knowledge transfer."

directors and Chief of Hemodynamics, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia (Image 6).

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The COVID-19 pandemic is a great accelerator of health research and provides immense opportunities for health innovation, especially in delivering care and personalized medicines. The organization seeks to achieve a diverse range of research projects over the next 5 to 10 years to help inform policy and practice. We seek to build more training programs and leverage our information technology platforms to achieve our mandate. The symposium was an enriching event, and we are excited about the future of health research and the potential benefit for the local and global community.”

Chair of the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital Ethics Committee, Dr. Henry Blythe, stated: “Over the past 11 years, the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital has accumulated a wealth of experience and clinical data, which speaks to best practices in the delivery of health care. "

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He continued: "We are confident that the rest of the world can learn from our experiences in one way or another. It is against this background that we seek to foster a culture of research and knowledge sharing among our clinical staff.

The mandate of research is to discover and share new knowledge and experiences. The primary objective of the research ethics symposium was to highlight the ethical variables involved in the conduct of clinical research and stimulate participants to get involved in research. The overwhelming interest was evident in the number of local and international participants. The attendance provided reassurance that there is a germinating research landscape across the TCI.” Training and Education Manager at Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, Dr. Jacqueline Moe-Cox, stated: “The TCI Hospital’s collaboration with regional and global stakeholders represents our commitment to stimulating a culture where research

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THE INTERVIEW

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and continuous learning are promoted. This knowledge sharing will improve competence and excellence in service delivery that will contribute to all-round benefits.”

Training and Education Manager at Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, Dr. Jacqueline Moe-Cox, stated: “The TCI Hospital’s collaboration with regional and global stakeholders represents our commitment to stimulating a culture where research and continuous learning are promoted. This knowledge sharing will improve competence and excellence in service delivery that will contribute to all-round benefits.”

President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Medical Association, Dr. Daren Hall, stated: “The symposium is timely as research and ethics in research is what gives the health profession credibility and gains public trust.”

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NEWS

TCI PORTS AUTHORITY HOST CEREMONY TO HONOR NURSES NATIONWIDE

THE INTERVIEW

An appreciation ceremony in recognition of International Nurses Week 2021 was held inside the Healing Gardens on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, across both medical centers.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Ports Authority hosted the event as part of its community outreach program and honored all nurses throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Several special invitees delivered remarks, including the then Minister of Health, Honorable Erwin Jay Saunders, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Health - Desiree Lewis, Chief of Clinical Services at TCI Hospital – Mikette Bain, Chief Nursing Officer at TCI Government Jackurlyn Sutton.

A small group of nurses received trinkets as a token of appreciation during the ceremony, followed by a broader giveaway.

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A VOICE TO LEAD - A VISION FOR FUTURE HEALTHCARE. International Nurses Day is celebrated worldwide every May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth. The theme for 2021 is Nurses: A Voice to Lead - A vision for future healthcare. In 2021, efforts seek to show how nursing will look into the future and how the profession will transform the next stage of healthcare.

During the pandemic, hospitals have been pushed to the brink, and the operational environment has challenged nurses' health and wellbeing. Despite these extenuating times, nurses and other hospital workers continue to demonstrate courage and commitment in delivering health care.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital joined with the world and expressed its gratitude to its nursing division via several mediums, including a video message. During the video message, hospital nursing managers and the Chief Executive Officer stressed that one week is insufficient to demonstrate the organization's vast appreciation for their efforts. They offer their support for the work of nurses every day, in times of crisis, and during periods of calm and everyday operations.

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WINNING TEAM

HAPPINESS AT WORK – EMPLOYEES COMPETE IN JERUSALEMA CHALLENGE

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ABOUT THE JERUSALEMA DANCE CHALLENGE

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EDUCATIONAL

HOW IT WORKS: BLOOD DONATION A special panel discussion produced by TCI Hospital seeks to increase donor awareness and encourage blood donations

Blood donation is a simple, selfless act to save lives and make a huge difference. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries.

Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation.

In observance of World Blood Donor Day, the TCI Hospital examined the area of blood donation to encourage persons to join the national blood donor registry. Segment one provided an overview of the program with TCI Hospital Chief of Medical Services, Dr. Dawn Perry-Ewing and TCI Government Medical Technologist, Karis King. Segment two continued the conversation as Candianne Williams, the Acting Director of TCI Red Cross talked about their role in helping to facilitate a sustainable stream of donors. Tamera Lightbourne, a blood donor and recipient whose life was positively impacted by a transfusion also shared her story.

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TEAM OF TRAINED SURVEYORS

TCI HOSPITAL CONDUCT ACCREDITATION 2021 READINESS ASSESSMENTS

The exercise was conducted by a mixed group of staff and community members (above) who underwent a quality master class and Accreditation Canada Surveyor Training- Train the Trainer course.

The course comprised of an overview of Accreditation Canada, the Heath Standards Organisation and the Qmentum Standards, Standard Review, ROPS and High Priority Elements within the standards, Surveyor and Interviewing Techniques, Question Development and Delivery, Observations and Awareness of the environment.

Quality improvement is a continuous process.

Although the hospital has amassed repeat success at securing the Diamond level under the Accreditation Canada International (ACI) Qmentum program, readiness assessments are essential to ensure the required standards are met and maintained.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital conducted an internal mock accreditation exercise in mid-July at the Cockburn Town Medical Centre and Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. The survey assessed critical capacities, documents, and activities that the health care facility should have to support the accreditation cycle.

Accreditation is about improving patient safety and providing more excellent quality care. These principles translate into best practices, which are reinforced by clear policies and procedures. This requires leadership and direction to ensure all levels of the organization work cohesively.

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THE I NTERVIEW

During the final months before an international health care accreditation assessment, there is even stronger internal cohesion and motivation to ensure there remains a continued adherence to service standards and required organizational practices.

ROAD TO DIAMOND InterHealth Canada - Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital will undergo a robust independent reassessment of its performance against recognized standards of best practice outlined under the Accreditation Canada International (ACI) Qmentum Program starting in September 2021.

ACI is one of only three accreditation bodies globally, which focuses exclusively on health care services, and is considered the most sought-after accreditation organization for demonstrating a high level of compliance with rigorous standards. Successful facilities receive Gold, Platinum, or Diamond status based on the quality of service and care delivered to patients.

Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital has been accredited at the Diamond level since March 2012 and is currently one of the few Diamond accredited hospitals in the Caribbean. This designation is the highest level achievable under the international accreditation program. The assessment occurs every three years to retain accreditation status.

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THE INTERVIEW

These performance benchmarks focus on quality and safety throughout the organization's services, including clinical care, governance, leadership, and infrastructure.

Several readiness assessments were conducted within the past 12 months by the hospital's internal quality team. The local health care organization periodically initiates these as an invaluable tool to provide an official measurement of its preparedness and progress related to standards, audits, and action plans.

ACI delivers a wide range of highimpact assessment programs for health and social service organizations, powered by the Health Standards Organization (HSO) and customized to local needs.

The ACI assessment has changed to a hybrid method. Part one is a virtual assessment consisting of leadership meetings to review priority areas of Governance, Leadership, Integrated Quality Management, Resource Management, Human Capital, Communication, Planning, and Service Design, and Principle-Based Care and Decision Making.

Part two is an onsite assessment conducted by a team of external surveyors who will dedicate five days to assess the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and Cockburn Town Medical Centre. Part 1 is scheduled for September 24th, 2021, and Part 2 is scheduled for November 29th to December 3rd, 2021.

These trained peer reviewers are due to examine the hospital's internal systems and processes, observe activities and gather data through interviews with patients and staff. The hospital's performance will be measured against 16 service standards and 33 required organizational practices (ROP's) with a detailed criterion.

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INVESTING IN EDUCATION

TCI Hospital donates medical equipment to Community College Nursing Program

The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital

Representatives

recently donated several pieces of

Community

medical equipment to the nursing

Samuel Forbes, Vice President, and

program at the TCI Community College

Dondra Blackman-Boyce, Chair of

for simulation and teaching purposes.

the Faculty for Natural and Applied

The hospital is currently mobilizing the

Sciences.

equipment

for

shipment

from

College

the

TCI

included

from

Providenciales to the college campus in

The medical equipment donated

Grand

were two blood pressure monitors, a

Turk,

where

the

nursing

program is based.

Mindray Datascope Passport V monitor. The latter device can

Image above: (L-R) Samuel Forbes, Vice President at TCICC, Dondra Blackman-Boyce, Chair of Faculty Natural and Applied Sciences at TCICC, Mikette Been– Chief of Clinical Services at TCI Hospital, Dr. Denise

Braithwaite-Tennant

–

Chief

Executive

Officer at TCI Hospital, Dr. Dawn Perry-Ewing – Chief of Medical Services at TCI Hospital and George Mushunje – Biomedical Engineer at TCI Hospital.

During the handover press conference

monitor vital sign parameters such

held on Thursday, June 24th, 2021,

as electrocardiogram, respiration

remarks were delivered by Mikette

rate,

Been, Chief of Clinical Services at TCI

invasive blood pressure, and body

Hospital,

Braithwaite-

temperature. A defibrillator, an

Tennant, Chief Executive Officer at TCI

intravenous pole, and a stretcher

Hospital, Dr. Dawn Perry-Ewing, Chief

bed commonly used in areas such as

of Medical Services at TCI Hospital and

Emergency Departments were also

George Mushunje, Lead Biomedical

among the donated items.

Dr.

Denise

Engineer at TCI Hospital.

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oxygen

saturation,

non-

COMMUNITY CENTRED

"WE REALISE THE IMPORTANCE OF HOLISTIC TRAINING FOR NURSING COLLEGE CANDIDATES." The Biomedical Engineering department oversees the hospital's medical equipment, planned preventative maintenance, and lifecycle management. The team combined different modules from different machines that have reached the end of their lifecycle in the hospital setting to create an operational device that meets the standards appropriate for teaching and training purposes. The vital signs and features are accurate and functioning on the rebuilt models.

Commenting on the donation, Chief of Clinical Services at TCI Hospital, Mikette Been, stated:" It gives us great pleasure to present this well needed equipment

to

the

Turks

and

Caicos

Islands

Community College Nursing Program. The COVID-19 pandemic presents ever increasing challenges as there is a high demand for nurses, and nurses are migrating to first world countries. Due to this increasing trend, as a country we need to build local capacity and be more resilient. I would like to encourage our students graduating from high school to choose a career in Nursing.

Commenting on the program, Samuel Forbes, Vice President of the TCI Community College, stated: "We have been in existence for over 25 years, and we are growing as a national institution. We realize the importance of holistic training of our candidates and the important role that we play in preparing candidates for the private sector, and the hospital is no exception. Over the years, we have been working to establish a relationship with the hospital to enhance our nursing program and other programs.

This is an exciting day for us as we have finally reached the point where there is something solid that we can boast. The equipment may have reached its lifespan at the hospital, but today it is just a transition from the hospital into another lifespan at our college."

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THE INTERVIEW

COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC) PROFILES OF CURRENTLY SERVING CAC MEMBERS Other CAC members include Mr. Jerome Caley - Police Officer at the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and Ms. Rochelle Thompson - Investment Services Executive.

The purpose of TCI Hospital's Community Advisory Committee is to provide patient, family and community input and perspectives to inform planning and improve patient care experiences at TCI Hospital.

As an act of community-service and devotion to volunteerism, the council has served in an advisory capacity, making recommendations and having proactive input on service design, new programs and overall matters that impact the experience of patients and families at the hospital. Stakeholders are defined as the patients, staff, volunteers, healthcare providers and residents served by TCI Hospital.

The CAC brings together individuals with a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences with the hospital both as users and families of clients who use our services.

STACY COX CEO OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS HOTEL AND TOURISM ASSOCIATION

MARY SIMMONS

KENO FORBES

ALCES DOR

INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT

PSYCOLOGIST AND PASTOR

ROSEMARY JOLLY

ALFONSO PALATINO

ACCOUNTING MANAGER HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONER AND FORMER NATIONAL CANCER SOCEITY PRESIDENT

PRESIDENT OF FILIPINO COMMUNITY AND VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS IN 15 SECTOR THE AUTOMOTIVE

SONIA K. WILLIAMS

CUSTOMER SERVICE WORKER AND ACCOUNT MANAGER

VETERAN EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Press Conference at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre

TCI HOSPITAL RELAUNCHES KEY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant InterHealth Canada - TCI Hospital Chief Executive Officer

InterHealth Canada - Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital held a press conference on Thursday, July 22nd, 2021, to relaunch two educational programs.

The programs seek to raise awareness of healthcare careers to help improve the currently limited local medical expertise in the domestic workforce.

There is also a requirement to deliver a 20minute presentation. TCI Hospital is accredited and licensed as a teaching hospital, and the program commenced on Monday, July 26th, 2021.

During the press conference, remarks were delivered by Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant – Chief Executive Officer at TCI Hospital, Hon. Erwin Jay Saunders – Minister of Health, Hon. Rachel Taylor – Minister of Education, Hon. Kyle Knowles – Member of Parliament for Wheeland, Dr. Sani Amatti – Deputy Chief of Medical Services at TCI Hospital, and Dr. Jacqueline MoeCox – Education and Training Manager at TCI Hospital.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the program is delivered in a virtual format over three days with practical and theory presentations delivered by health care workers. The program commenced on Wednesday, July 21st, 2021.

The READY observership program seeks to provide upper-level high school students with a behind-thescenes look and in-depth knowledge about professions in health care.

The Clinic Exploration program seeks to target students pursuing a health carerelated course at a tertiary level institution and ordinarily resident in TCI. The program spans ten days and comprise of virtual and onsite sessions. The onsite sessions include a skills lab on phlebotomy, suturing, vital signs, manual handling, applying splints, Heart Saver, and Basic Life Support training.

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"The program started in 2012, and we currently have two graduates of the program who are now physicians. There is Dr. Raven Saunders, who is working with the Ministry of Health, and Dr. Royelle Robinson, who is working at the TCI Hospital's Emergency Department." She continued: "There is a worldwide shortage of health care workers, which the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened. We are continuously partnering with the TCI Government, TCI Community College, and the TCI Ministry of Health as we recognize that there is a need to build local capacity."

Image Above: (L-R): Dr. Jacqueline Moe-Cox – Education and Training Manager at TCI Hospital, Hon. Kyle Knowles – Member of Parliament for Wheeland, Hon. Rachel Taylor – Minister of Education, Hon. Erwin Jay Saunders – Minister of Health, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant – Chief Executive Officer at TCI Hospital and Dr. Sani Amatti – Deputy Chief of Medical Services at TCI Hospital.

The Clinic Exploration program seeks to target students pursuing a health care-related course at a tertiary level institution and ordinarily resident in TCI. The program spans ten days and comprise of virtual and onsite sessions.

The onsite sessions include a skills lab on phlebotomy, suturing, vital signs, manual handling, applying splints, Heart Saver, and Basic Life Support training. There is also a requirement to deliver a 20-minute presentation.

TCI Hospital is accredited and licensed as a teaching hospital, and the program commenced on Monday, July 26th, 2021.

The TCI Government scholarship policy currently includes even more areas in health care. Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, stated: "Our scholarship policy currently addresses areas in healthcare including medicine, medical technology, environmental science, health care management, psychiatry, psychology, health, and safety. Therefore, we plan to review the education policy within the year, and it will definitely relate to other areas of concern. During the process, we will partner with the Minister of Health who will guide us accordingly."

Hon. Erwin Jay Saunders, Minister of Health, stated: "This is a great initiative because there is a shortage of medical personnel. We are competing with the world market now, trying to find staff to fill in when the Cuban Brigade leaves the TCI, and I am certain that we will solve this problem. However, we are very short on local medical talent in almost every area.

This program encourages students and holds their hands, and helps them to get across the finish line. I wish to thank everyone who is a part of this program. This is a major initiative, and I encourage you to stick with it and use the experience."

Cheshire Hall Medical Centre

Hon. Kyle Knowles, Member of Parliament for Wheeland, stated: “This is definitely a wonderful opportunity for many of our youth across the Turks and Caicos Islands. The initiative has really shown success stories. Having two persons who would've initially started and are now medical practitioners shows the program's overall success. I want to encourage our young people across the country who are now looking at career paths. There are more opportunities, and as the Minister alluded to, we are making significant strides to broaden that scope so that we can, at some point, have a fully staffed medical facility with Turks and Caicos Islanders."

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Health care workers at Cockburn Town Medical Centre participated in a careers fair at the HJ Robinson High School on May 28th 2021 to raise awareness of professions in the medical field. The event was held on the parade grounds with COVID-19 protocols in effect and represented the hopeful creep back to pre-pandemic activities.

TCI Hospital is an active participant in career fairs held at educational institutions on an annual basis.

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Resumption plan continues for visiting consultant services Service Updates

The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital announced the gradual resumption of additional visiting consultant services on May 25th, 2021. The hospital stated that given the relaxation of COVID-19 related travel and quarantine restrictions on physicians in some countries abroad at the time, more services were set to resume.

Unfortunately, some countries are experiencing the COVID-19 third wave. Some countries also strongly discourage travel and have a mandatory quarantine upon return. TCI Hospital’s visiting consultants are from North America, United Kingdom, and the Caribbean.

Oncology and Urology services have been operational since April 2020 through virtual consultations. Due to the high-risk nature of patients, these clinics were prioritized for continuation early in the pandemic. There are some services for which virtual consultations would not be clinically beneficial and must be delivered via face-to-face examinations.

Cardiology services resumed in February 2021 through virtual consultations, and some diagnostics needed to support the service have been available locally. A further virtual clinic session was scheduled for June and since then the service has been on schedule. The transition back to in-person consultations for several of visiting consultant services is dependent on quarantine requirements in the specialists' home country, which have made travel to TCI away from their primary place of employment impossible thus far.

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on the ground

Visiting Neurologist, Dr. Edwin Demeritte returned to TCI shores back in March to resume services.

Visiting Cardiologist, Dr. Dimitrios Klettas returned to TCI shores again in September to continue services.

Navigating the Covid-19 pandemic.

Neurology services resumed in March 2021 with in-person consultations following changes to the travel and quarantine restrictions in the specialist's country of origin. The service will continue as usual, and visits have been planned for the rest of the year.

Ophthalmology services for patients in need of surgical procedures related to the eye resumed in June. Patients were processed in the order of clinical priority, and this service is traditionally in high demand. The specialists also conducted as many outpatient clinic consultations as possible during the visit.

Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) is the next specialist service under active planning. Plastic Surgery services are primarily elective and remain under review. An update will be provided once these services resume.

The visiting specialists continue to monitor the COVID-19 activity levels, vaccination rates, travel advisories, flight availability, and post-travel quarantine requirements internationally and in their home countries.

The TCI hospital plans to increase the frequency of specialist visits and/or extend the duration of regular clinic sessions, where possible and justified, to provide greater patient access and 20 compensate for the unavoidable interruption of services.

Patients are encouraged to visit their primary care physician or the emergency department for any medical concerns that may arise during the waiting period.

The hospital extends deep appreciation to patients for their understanding as it navigates the COVID-19 pandemic environment.

THE INTERVIEW

TCI HOSPITAL PLANS TO INTRODUCE PATIENT PORTAL Patients value the easy access to information and direct communication that comes with portal use.

HARNESSING THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY The patient portal is called 'MyCareCorner' InterHealth Canada – Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is preparing to implement a secure online portal that provides enrolled patients with convenient 24-hour access to certain personal health information within their medical records from anywhere on the internet.

'MyCareCorner' is an interactive user platform that is desktopbased and downloadable as a mobile application on the Apple Store and Google Play to access health information on the go.

The hospital will manage the data, and enrolled patients can access specific health information such as recent doctor visits, discharge summaries, medications, immunizations, allergies, and lab results. The hospital is currently reviewing the type of information that will be made available to enrolled patients. An online community survey entitled 'MyCareMatters' will be launched to canvass feedback on several service areas, including the patient portal.

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH Connects with specific everyday home health and fitness devices

A MAJOR STEP IN THE PLAN Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital has a strategic goal to become a more digital hospital with measures centred on the patient.

The platform is private and is accessed on a secure connection via an encrypted, password-protected logon to protect patients' health information. The hospital is seeking to complete the implementation stage of the patient portal by the end of the year. Following this stage, information about the enrollment process will be provided.

Patient portals can add significant value to the patient experience with faster access to essential medical information.

This platform empowers patients to be more actively involved in their care and their family members' health, based on patient consent and guardianship.

MyCareCorner also connects with specific everyday home health and fitness devices like blood pressure cuffs, blood glucose devices, and weight scales. This feature eliminates the need to enter readings manually and ensures that subscribers' medical records always have accurate, consistent on-time data.

Patient portals implemented in other health care facilities have reflected improvements in medication adherence, disease awareness, self-management of disease, a decrease in the number of medical office visits, an increase in preventative medicine, and increased patient satisfaction.

Patients can utilize the portal to accomplish tasks that generally require a phone call or even multiple phone calls.

Commenting on the platform, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, Chief Executive Officer at TCI Hospital, stated: "InterHealth Canada The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, is continuously exploring innovative ways to enhance the experience of the patients and families. We believe that engaging patients in their health care can improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction. Digital information storage systems such as electronic medical records provide a space where patient information can be securely stored accessed within a timely manner."

and

She continued: "The increasing adoption of electronic medical records by hospitals has given patients wider access to their clinical information. Seamless access to medical records can positively affect communication between the patient and their health care team.

It also empowers patients and enhances their involvement in their care. All of our patients are encouraged to enroll when the patient portal enrollment process is announced."

The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital recently introduced a biometric time and attendance system as part of its aim to achieve greater efficiency, reduce its paper-heavy processes, promote productivity and accountability.

BIOMETRIC SYSTEM LAUNCHED AT TCI HOSPITAL

The system uses facial recognition and is located at both the Cheshire Hall and Cockburn Town Medical Centre. Contactless biometric attendance systems can also mitigate the spread of pathogens in the organization. The system implementation has several benefits, including the opportunity to strengthen attendance management further, simplify the payroll process, increases clock-in accuracy, ensure rotas are being planned and aligned with budgets and provides good visibility of all data.

"While it may seem small, the ripple effects of small things can be extraordinary and the implementation of a Biometric system has proven that very fact. We truly have taken proactive steps in moving the naturally excellent organization to the next level by not just having a system that would benefit us now but also in future years to come."

The biometric terminals have also proven to be a convenient security solution as there are no passwords to be remembered, no badges to be used, nor ID cards, documents, etc. This lets employees quickly get to work without worrying that they aren’t clocked in because they forgot their access badge.

- Lorenzo Seymour, Human Resources Manager at TCI Hospital 23

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