InterView - August - October 2024

AUG 24 OCT 24

THE

INTERVIEW

STORY ON PAGE 2 TCI HOSPITAL TEAM AT THE LAUNCH OF PATIENT ADVOCACY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

INTERHEALTH CANADA - TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS HOSPITAL ENHANCES PATIENT ADVOCACY PROGRAMME Welcome to the August to October edition of the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital's Newsletter.

The publication features stories from across the healthcare organization.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

HIGHLIGHTS ON PAGE 17 InterHealth Canada - Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital Team at the Annual Breast Cancer Awareness walk/run

PATIENT ADVOCACY PROGRAMME ENHANCED BREAST CANCER AWARENESS EVENTS A HEARTFELT GESTURE FROM JAIS JEWELLERS TCI HOSPITAL PARTNERS WITH THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION HEAR FROM OUR APPRENTICES TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS HOSPITAL RECENTLY CELEBRATED WORLD PHYSIOTHERAPY DAY TCI HOSPITAL CELEBRATED MDR WEEK

PATIENT ADVOCATE TEAM

INTERHEALTH CANADA - TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS HOSPITAL ENHANCES PATIENT ADVOCACY PROGRAMME "Our patient advocacy initiative aims to provide essential support to those who may feel overwhelmed during their healthcare journey," stated Chief of Medical Services Dr. Dawn Perry-Ewing. "By introducing certified advocates, we strive to reduce logistical burdens on patients while equipping them with the knowledge needed to make informed healthcare decisions. The healthcare landscape can be daunting, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities. However, by providing advocates to guide these patients, we aim to create an atmosphere of empowerment and understanding so that they can access care easily", added Dr Perry-Ewing.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is excited to announce enhancements to its Patient Advocacy Programme at the Cockburn Town Medical Centre and Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. This initiative is part of the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital's continuous commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centred care for the community's diverse needs.

In recognition of the unique challenges faced by seniors 65 years and older, individuals with disabilities, and patients from the family islands, InterHealth Canada - Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is introducing a dedicated priority line for these groups. This development underscores our commitment to ensuring equitable access to our services.

As part of this initiative, the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital will deploy certified Patient Advocates to both medical centres. These advocates, clad in purple vests, will be available to assist patients in navigating the healthcare system, understanding their rights, and accessing essential resources.

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The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is committed to continuous improvement, guided by community feedback. With the launch of the enhanced Patient Advocacy Programme at Cockburn Town Medical Centre and Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, the Hospital is set to create a more accessible and supportive healthcare experience.

Priority Line Launch Highlights

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InterHealth Canada - Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital Collaborates with The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, Library Services and Culture's National Internship and Apprenticeship Programme

HIGHLIGHTS ON PAGE 6 InterHealth Canada - Turks and Caicos

The

Islands Hospital is delighted to partner

participates in rotations throughout the

with the Ministry of Education, Youth,

Hospital's administrative spectrum.

Sports,

Library

Services

and

sole

business

student

actively

Culture's

National Internship and Apprenticeship

The

Programme, a groundbreaking initiative

Apprenticeship Programme, generously

designed to provide invaluable training

funded by the Turks and Caicos Islands

opportunities

Government,

for

seventeen

Science

dynamic

National

unfolds

Internship

over

six

and

weeks.

University students and one Business

Select students eagerly opt to extend

Student. These students are currently at

their stay for an enriching six-month stint

their halfway mark at The Cheshire Hall

to deepen their expertise and grasp of

Medical Centre, engaging in specialized

essential careers in healthcare.

training in various critical areas within the hospital setting.

The Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, Library Services and Culture, Honorable

In this transformative collaboration, the

Rachel

University students are gaining practical

admiration for the initiative, remarking,

experiences across critical departments,

"The

including

(with

Ministry

of

comprehensive training in phlebotomy),

Library

Services

Medical

Reprocessing,

InterHealth Canada - Turks and Caicos

(inclusive

of

Laboratory

chemotherapy),

the Imaging

Pharmacy creation

Taylor,

partnership

expressed forged

Education, and

her

deep

between Youth,

the

Sports,

Culture

and

of

Islands Hospital stands as a testament to

Department,

our unwavering commitment to bridging

Physiotherapy Department, and Nursing rotations within the inpatient units.

the 5

academia-practice

healthcare realm.

gap

in

the

InterHealth Canada - Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital Collaborates with The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, Library Services and Culture's National Internship and Apprenticeship Programme

By investing in our students' holistic

at the core of our mission as we strive to

professional development, we are sowing

cultivate

a

the seeds for a burgeoning cohort of

enhances

healthcare

adept healthcare professionals poised to

community."

skilled

workforce

that

delivery

in

our

through

this

make significant contributions to our society.

The

training

facilitated

collaborative initiative equips students Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, the Chief

with

Executive Officer of InterHealth Canada—

knowledge,

Turks

comprehension

and

Caicos

Islands

Hospital,

underscored the Hospital's unwavering dedication

to

nurturing

tangible

skills, and

profound

an of

Health

encompassing the

hospital

environment's operational intricacies.

educational

endeavours and fostering a culture of

InterHealth Canada - Turks and Caicos

perpetual learning within the healthcare

Islands

milieu.

nurturing sustained partnerships with the

Hospital

eagerly

anticipates

Turks and Caicos Islands Government to Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant remarked, "Our

facilitate

involvement

aspiring healthcare professionals, thereby

in

this

transformative

learning

opportunities

programme epitomizes our steadfast

collectively

resolve

landscape in the Turks and Caicos Islands

to

champion

educational

initiatives that not only elevate the

and beyond.

academic pursuits of students but also elevate

the

standard

of

healthcare

services across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Building local capacity is

6

enriching

the

for

healthcare

11

9

Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital recently celebrated World Physiotherapy Day InterHealth Canada - Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital recently celebrated World Physiotherapy Day with a series of engaging educational sessions for the public and hospital staff.

This event aimed to raise awareness about the vital role physiotherapy plays in enhancing health and well-being. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about various physiotherapeutic practices and the benefits of physical therapy in recovery and prevention.

"The celebration of World Physiotherapy Day serves as a reminder of the importance of movement and rehabilitation in our daily lives," said Pekiera Brooks Rehabilitation Manager at InterHealth Canada - Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital. "We are committed to empowering our community with knowledge and support to promote healthier lifestyles."

The day was filled with informative discussions and opportunities for the community to connect with our physiotherapy professionals, showcasing the value of physiotherapy in fostering a healthier and more active lifestyle.

10

12

TCI HOSPITAL CELEBRATES MEDICAL DEVICE REPROCESSING WEEK TCI Hospital hosted a dynamic celebration of Medical Device Reprocessing (MDR) Week, highlighting the essential processes involved in safely cleaning, sterilizing, and reusing medical devices. This important initiative was met with tremendous enthusiasm from hospital staff and visitors from local private practices, including OmniCare, Paradise Smile, and Family Care.

To add excitement to the week, the hospital organized a series of fun activities, prizes, and surprises for attendees.

MDR Week aimed to raise awareness about the significance of reprocessing medical devices, ensure patient safety, and promote sustainability within the healthcare system.

The event showcased TCI Hospital's commitment to high standards of care and focused on educating healthcare professionals and the community about best practices in medical device management.

The festivities started with an engaging series of displays and activities in the MDR Department. Visitors, including those from OmniCare, Paradise Smile, and Family Care, were invited to explore informative exhibits that detailed the comprehensive methods used in medical device reprocessing.

MDR TEAM MEMBERS

These displays emphasized the importance of maintaining sterility and safety, underscoring how proper reprocessing contributes to positive patient outcomes. In addition to educational displays, TCI Hospital featured hands-on demonstrations of various medical instruments and devices, allowing participants to see the equipment utilized in patient care first-hand.

13 MDR TEAM MEMBERS

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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH HIGHLIGHTS

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH HIGHLIGHTS

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH HIGHLIGHTS

Closing Breast Cancer Awareness Month: A Heartfelt Gesture from Jais Jewellers

The event closed out Breast Cancer Awareness Month on a high note, showcasing the power of community involvement in health and wellness.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month came to a close, TCI Hospital celebrated the spirit of compassion and support with a generous donation from Jais Jewellers. The local jewelry store contributed beautifully crafted bracelets to patients in the oncology department, symbolizing hope, strength, and solidarity in the fight against breast cancer.

TCI Hospital remains dedicated to providing support and resources for patients, while also fostering partnerships that promote awareness and education about breast cancer.

As patients proudly wear their new bracelets, they symbolize more than just a piece of jewelry; they reflect the love, support, and hope that carry them through their treatment The gesture by Jais Jewellers was met with and beyond. heartfelt appreciation by both hospital staff and patients. Each bracelet served not only as a stunning piece of jewelry but also as a reminder of the community's unwavering support for those affected by breast cancer.

Wearing these bracelets allows patients to carry a symbol of resilience and empowerment as they navigate their treatment journey.

In a statement, Jais Jewellers expressed their commitment to supporting breast cancer awareness and the local community: “At Jais Jewellers, we believe that it’s essential to stand together in the face of challenges.

Donating these bracelets to the brave souls in our oncology department is a small way for us to show our support and let them know they are never alone.”

Dr. Denise Braithwaite Tennant, CEO of TCI Hospital, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of community engagement in healthcare. She stated, “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of Jais Jewellers. Their thoughtful donation not only uplifts our patients’ spirits but also strengthens the bond between our hospital and the community. Together, we can make a significant impact in the fight against breast cancer and remind our patients that they are surrounded by support and love 20 during their journey.”

THE INTERVIEW