THE INTERVIEW jJULY - SEPTEMBER 2026
STORY ON PAGE 2 Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital Celebrates “National Internship and Apprenticeship Programme” Participants
"Transforming Tomorrow: Summer Internships at Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital Cultivate the Next Generation of Health Professionals" Welcome to the July to September edition of the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital's Newsletter. The publication features stories from across the healthcare organisation.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
STORY ON PAGE 4 & 5 Participants in “Clinical Observership & Summer READY Program” Gain Transformative Hands-On Hospital Experience"
Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital Celebrates “National Internship and Apprenticeship Programme” Participants Forging Future Leaders: Summer READY 2026 Interns Gain Hands-On Experience Circle of Excellence Highlights Distinguished Staff Members Phillip Burgess Speaks at National Cancer Society Prostate Cancer Awareness Event World Pharmacy Week Activities Highlight Impact of Pharmacy Department Family Fun Day 2026 - Photographic Highlights TCIhospital Partners with National Church of God to Bring Health Screening to the Community Employees of the Quarter - April to June 2026 Rotoract Donates to TCI Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Rehabilitation Department Celebrates World Physiotherapy Day 2026
CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant speaks with “National Internship and Apprenticeship Programme” Participants
Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital Celebrates “National Internship and Apprenticeship Programme” Participants The management and staff of the hospital are proud to congratulate the interns who have spent six weeks at both Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and Cockburn Town Medical Centre, gaining valuable workplace experience through the Ministry of Education’s National Internship and Apprenticeship Programme (NIAP). Since the inception of the National Internship and Apprenticeship Programme, the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital has proudly partnered with the Ministry of Education to provide meaningful workplace learning experiences for young people across a variety of disciplines. Over the years, the programme has become an important component of the hospital's workforce development strategy, providing students with valuable exposure to the dynamic healthcare environment while helping them make informed career choices. This year's cohort included several interns pursuing careers in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, laboratory sciences, allied health professions, and other healthcare-related fields. Throughout the programme, the interns were mentored by physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, managers, and support staff who generously shared their knowledge, experience, and professional guidance. The hospital extends its sincere appreciation to every department, supervisor, mentor, and staff member who invested their time and expertise in supporting the interns' learning and development. Through partnerships such as the National Internship and Apprenticeship Programme, the hospital continues to invest in building a resilient, sustainable, and locally empowered healthcare workforce for the future. Chief Executive Officer, Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, praised the interns for their dedication throughout the programme while recognising the importance of national collaboration in developing the future healthcare workforce. “It has been a privilege to welcome these talented young people to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and Cockburn Town Medical Centre over the past six weeks. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, professionalism, and commitment to learning have been inspiring, and they have made valuable contributions across both our clinical and non-clinical services. On behalf of the hospital, I extend our sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Education for its continued investment in capacity building through the National Internship and Apprenticeship Programme. This initiative reflects a shared national commitment to developing the knowledge, skills, and experience of our young people while creating meaningful pathways into the workforce. I would also like to thank the many hospital teams, managers, supervisors, clinicians, and support staff who generously shared their time, expertise, and mentorship with our interns. Their willingness to teach, guide, and encourage these young professionals exemplifies the culture of learning and excellence that exists throughout our organisation.”
As the healthcare needs of the Turks and Caicos Islands continue to evolve, the development of a highly skilled and specialized workforce has never been more important. The hospital remains fully committed to working collaboratively with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Turks & Caicos Islands Community College, educational institutions, government agencies, and our wider partners to strengthen workforce development, support future specialists across clinical, allied health, technical, and administrative disciplines, and create opportunities for individuals to pursue rewarding careers in healthcare. Today's interns are tomorrow's healthcare leaders. We congratulate each participant on successfully completing the programme and look forward to seeing many of them return to serve the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands in the years ahead." Chief of Medical Services, Dr. Dawn Perry-Ewing, said the experience reflected the importance of investing in future healthcare and business professionals. “Every opportunity to learn in a real-world environment helps shape tomorrow’s leaders. Our interns embraced each experience with professionalism and a genuine desire to grow. Whether supporting clinical services or administrative functions, they demonstrated a strong work ethic and a willingness to contribute. We congratulate them on completing the programme and wish them continued success in all their future endeavours.” Training and Development Manager, Ms. Vernessa Forbes, highlighted the importance of the programme in preparing the next generation of professionals. "The National Internship and Apprenticeship Programme provides an invaluable opportunity for young people to apply their academic learning in a real-world environment while developing the professional skills, confidence, and work ethic needed for future success. It has been especially rewarding to see several interns pursuing careers in healthcare, and we remain committed to working alongside the Ministry of Education and our national partners to nurture and develop the skilled healthcare professionals who will help meet the future needs of the Turks and Caicos Islands." As the programme ends, the hospital extends its appreciation to the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands for creating opportunities that connect young people with meaningful workplace experiences. Initiatives such as the National Internship and Apprenticeship Programme play an important role in building a skilled, confident, and capable workforce for the future. The hospital congratulates all participating interns on successfully completing their placements and thanks them for the dedication, professionalism, and fresh perspectives they brought to the organization. We wish each of them every success in the years to come.
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Forging Future Leaders: Summer READY 2026 Interns Gain Hands-On Experience Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital was pleased to announce the successful completion of its Summer READY Programme, a two-week internship initiative designed to provide high school students in Forms 3-5 with hands-on exposure to the healthcare environment and an opportunity to explore careers within the sector. The programme, organised and hosted by the hospital, welcomed students into various clinical departments, where they gained first-hand insight into the day-to-day operations of a healthcare facility and learned directly from healthcare professionals. Throughout the two-week internship, students were exposed to different aspects of patient care and clinical operations while developing important workplace competencies, including communication, teamwork, professionalism, punctuality and responsibility. The experience was designed to complement classroom learning while helping students make more informed decisions about their future education and career pathways. Vernessa Forbes, Training and Education Manager, said the Summer READY Programme reflects the hospital’s commitment to developing young people and creating meaningful opportunities for them to explore the healthcare profession. “Summer READY is about giving our young people an opportunity to experience healthcare beyond what they may have seen or learned in the classroom. Over the two weeks, our students were able to interact with healthcare professionals, observe different clinical environments and gain a better understanding of the dedication and teamwork required to care for our patients. We were impressed by their enthusiasm, curiosity and willingness to learn, and we hope this experience has inspired them to consider the many rewarding careers available in healthcare.” By rotating through and gaining exposure to various clinical departments, students were also able to see that healthcare extends beyond the roles most commonly associated with a hospital. The programme introduced them to the range of skills, disciplines and professionals that work together to deliver safe, compassionate and high-quality patient care. Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, Chief Executive Officer, said investing in young people is an important part of strengthening the future healthcare workforce of the Turks and Caicos Islands. “As a hospital, we have a responsibility not only to care for our community today, but also to help prepare the people who may care for it tomorrow. The Summer READY Programme allows us to open our doors to young people and give them meaningful exposure to the healthcare profession at an important stage in their development. We want our students to see that there is a place for their talents within healthcare and to recognize the many pathways available to them. We are extremely proud of what they accomplished during their time with us.” The programme concluded with the presentation of certificates of completion to the students, recognizing their successful participation and commitment throughout the two-week internship. Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital congratulates all of the students who successfully completed the Summer Ready Programme and extends its appreciation to the clinical teams, supervisors and staff members who provided mentorship, guidance and practical learning opportunities throughout the programme. Through the Summer Ready Programme and other training and development initiatives, Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital remains committed to youth development, career readiness and building a strong pipeline of future healthcare professionals for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Dr. Phillip Burgess Promotes Screening at National Cancer Society Prostate Cancer Awareness Event On September 11, 2026, The National Cancer Society successfully held its September awareness event under the theme “Men United for Health,” focusing on prostate cancer and men’s health. The event, held at David‘s Karaoke Lounge aimed to educate, encourage early detection screenings, and invited men from the community to participate in open conversations about their health. Turks and Caicos Islands Hopsital’s Dr. Philip Burgess was the featured speaker at the event. He emphasized the importance of regular health check-ups and how early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes. He shared compelling statistics to highlight the prevalence of prostate cancer and the critical nature of catching it in its early stages. His engaging presentation included practical advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as balanced nutrition and regular exercise, which can reduce the risk of developing health issues. The audience was encouraged to ask questions and share their experiences, fostering a supportive environment where men felt comfortable discussing traditionally taboo topics. TCI Hospital male employees were also in attendance to show support and solidarity.
World Pharmacy Week Activities Highlight Impact of Pharmacy Department TCI Hospital joined healthcare organisations around the world in celebrating World Pharmacy Day from September 21-25, 2026, recognising the vital contribution pharmacists and pharmacy technicians make to patient safety, quality care and stronger healthcare systems. Under the theme “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures,” this year’s observance highlighted the importance of enabling pharmacy professionals to use their knowledge, skills and expertise to their fullest potential in improving health outcomes and supporting patients throughout their healthcare journey. As part of World Pharmacy Week, September 19–25, TCI Hospital celebrated its Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians while engaging patients, students and the wider community in activities focused on medication safety, pharmacy careers and the expanding role of pharmacy professionals in healthcare. More Than Preparing Medications. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are integral members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team at TCI Hospital. While pharmacy is often associated with dispensing and preparing medicines, the work of pharmacy professionals extends far beyond the pharmacy counter. The hospital’s pharmacy team works collaboratively with physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals to support the safe and appropriate use of medications throughout the patient journey. Their work includes medication preparation and management, medication reconciliation and review, patient education, and processes designed to identify and reduce medication-related risks.
Their specialised knowledge is particularly important in clinical areas such as the Neonatal Unit, Oncology and Dialysis services, where medication management requires precision, careful calculation, specialised preparation and close attention to individual patient needs. For TCI Hospital, World Pharmacy Day therefore provides an opportunity not only to celebrate pharmacy professionals, but also to increase public understanding of their important contribution to safe, effective and patient-centred care. Inspiring the Next Generation An important part of TCI Hospital’s 2026 observance was engaging young people and introducing them to the diverse opportunities available within the pharmacy profession. Students from Maranatha Academy in Providenciales and HJ Robinson High School in Grand Turk, participated in an exposition designed to provide insight into the work of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and their contribution to patient care and medication safety. Students explored how medications moved through the healthcare system, the safeguards used to help prevent medication errors, and the importance of medication reconciliation in identifying and resolving potential medication-related concerns. The sessions also featured practical demonstrations of selected tools and processes used by pharmacy professionals, giving students an opportunity to experience aspects of the profession beyond the traditional image of dispensing medicines. Through this engagement, TCI Hospital hoped to encourage more young people in the Turks and Caicos Islands to consider careers in pharmacy and the wider healthcare sector.
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Pharmacy Manager Kennita Myers said the theme reflects both the responsibility carried by pharmacy professionals and the opportunities available to further strengthen their contribution to patient care. “Every medication we prepare, review or manage represents a patient who is depending on us to get it right. Whether we are supporting neonatal care, oncology, dialysis or other hospital services, accuracy, vigilance and patient safety remain at the centre of everything we do. Our pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are also educators and advocates for safe medication use. We want our patients to understand their medicines and feel confident asking questions about their treatment. We are equally passionate about introducing young people to pharmacy and showing them the many ways, they can build meaningful careers while contributing to the health of their community. World Pharmacists Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate our profession, share our knowledge and inspire the next generation.”
Thank You to Our Pharmacy Professionals Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital extends its sincere appreciation to its pharmacists and pharmacy technicians for their professionalism, expertise and commitment to patient safety. Whether preparing specialised medications, supporting clinical teams, educating patients, reviewing medication therapy or strengthening medication-safety processes, pharmacy professionals play an important role at every stage of the patient journey. Their work embodies the message of World Pharmacy Day 2026: “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures.” To all of our Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians, thank you for helping to keep our patients safe, supporting our healthcare teams and contributing every day to healthier futures for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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FAMILY FUN DAY 2026 (CHMC)
Family Fun Day 2026 brought together staff members of Chesire Hall Medical Center and their familiess for an exciting day at the Bight Kids’ Park. Attendees enjoyed music, food and drink and a highly competitive Domino Tournament. Children enjoy games such as egg and spoon and sack races as well as Tug O’War. Family Fun Day is a strategic initiative that reinforces our commitment to employee well-being and teamwork. It highlights the importance of fostering an inclusive culture where staff feel valued and connected, ultimately driving our collective success.
FAMILY FUN DAY 2026 (CTMC)
Family Fun Day 2026 brought together staff members of Cockburn Town Medical Centre and their familiess for an exciting day at Governor’s Beach. Attendees enjoyed music, food and drink and a highly competitive Domino Tournament. Children enjoy games such as egg and spoon and sack races as well as Tug O’War. Family Fun Day is a strategic initiative that reinforces our commitment to employee well-being and teamwork. It highlights the importance of fostering an inclusive culture where staff feel valued and connected, ultimately driving our collective success.
TCI HOSPITAL PARTNERS WITH NATIONAL CHURCH OF GOD TO BRING HEALTH SCREENING TO THE COMMUNITY On Saturday, August 29th, employees of the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre assembled at the Alice and Alice Plaza to bring health screenings to the surrounding community. An initiative of Pastor Branford Dean of the National Church of God, the screenings were part of a Health Fair organised by the church to promote early screening for cancer with a focus on prostate cancer as well as general health checks. As part of the event, TCI Hospital staff including doctors, nurses and our dietician, provided community members with blood pressure and blood glucose testing along with medical consultations and registration to the MyCare Corner Patient Portal. Dr. Denise Braithwaite, CEO at TCI Hospital was present at the event and praised Pastor Dean for the foresight in organising the initiative. “This collaboration is a wonderful example of how community partnerships can make a significant impact on public health,” she remarked. “By working together, we are able to reach more individuals and provide them with essential health services that might otherwise be inaccessible. Early detection is crucial, particularly for conditions like prostate cancer, where timely intervention can save lives.” Also present were members of the National Cancer Society who provided attendees with information on how to access support. Pastor Dean highlighted the importance of such initiatives, saying, “Our goal is to empower the community with knowledge and resources to take control of their health. We are grateful for the partnership with TCI Hospital and look forward to continuing our efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of our neighbours.” The event concluded with a commitment from both the National Church of God and TCI Hospital to organise future health fairs, aiming to address various health concerns and further strengthen the community’s access to healthcare services.
Back to School Giveaway Ignites Excitment for the New School Year Turks
and
Caicos
Islands
Hospital
continued its annual Back to School Giveaway which provides school supplies for
children
of
staff
members.
This
by
the
Staff
initiative
spearheaded
Welfare
committee
highlights
the
hospital’s
continued
commitment
to
education. The Back to School packets included school essentials such as a backpacks, pencils, pens, rulers, notebooks, erasers, sharpeners and more, helping to equip students for the classroom. Employees expressed their gratitude for the initiative, with one parent stating, “Receiving this packet each year is greatly appreciated.” Turks
and
Caicos
Islands
understands
that
rising
hospital economic
challenges can make it difficult for some families
to
afford
necessary
school
supplies. By supporting its staff in this way, the hospital not only eases financial burdens but also reinforces its dedication to fostering a supportive community. This gesture underscores the hospital's belief that investing in education is investing in the future. 17
Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital
EMPLOYEES OF THE QUARTER We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our Employees of the Quarter for the period of April to June 2026. Your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Your commitment to excellence truly reflects the core values of our mission at TCI Hospital.
CLINICAL SERVICES & FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Lorenzo Seymour SMT CHMC/CTMC
Maniela Pierre Human Resources CHMC/CTMC
Joanna Stanford Finance CHMC/CTMC
Chem Hall IM&T CHMC
Albrionna Bembry-Higgs IM&T CTMC
Paul Lewis Administration CHMC/CTMC
Drew Capron Materials Management CHMC
Berdette Tatem Materials Management CTMC
Irva Glinton PSA CHMC
Vanisia Virgil PSA CTMC
Tarah Silvera Rehabilitation CTMC
Asha Trumpet Midwife CHMC
Chibuihe Amaefule Midwife CTMC
Idania Rodriguez Inpatient Nurse CHMC
Soumya Gilbert Inpatient Nurse CTMC
Tabitha Gibson Outpatient Nurse CHMC
Derek Jennings Outpatient Nurse CTMC
Keisha McGregor-Cowell Surgical Nurse CHMC
Okon Dickson Surgical Nurse CTMC
Julia Cousins Rehabilitation CHMC
Jolly Kurien Nursing Leadership CHMC
Vacinta Peters-Wilson Emergency Nurse CHMC
Sophia Jospeh Emergency Nurse CTMC
Dr. Tracey Martinborough Inpatient Services CHMC/CTMC
Dr. Monnique-Chadee Waite ER Physician CHMC
Dr. Gillian Derby ER Physician CTMC
Jose Abaya Diagnostic Imaging CHMC/CTMC
Julie Togi Dialysis Nurse CHMC
Alain Jimenez Dialysis Nurse CTMC
David Banton MDR CHMC/CTMC
Kennita Myers Pharmacy CHMC
Margaret Roberts Pharmacy CTMC
Oluwafemi Esho Biomedical Engineer CHMC/CTMC
Debbie Lawrence-Williams Laboratory CHMC
Vernon Silvera Laboratory CTMC
Germito Saloman Portering Facilities Management CTMC
Kevin Bacchus Engineering Facilities Management CHMC
Tasheka Stewart Supervisor Facilities Management CHMC
Dieone Moore Supervisor Facilities Management CHMC
Marie Joseph Housekeeping Facilities Management CHMC
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit” - Aristotle Freudlyne Joseph Housekeeping Facilities Management CTMC
Jeff Pierre Helpdesk Facilities Management CHMC
Mario Marzan Helpdesk Facilities Management CTMC
Rotoract Donates to TCI Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital expresses Sincere gratitude to the Providenciales Rotaract Club who made a generous donation to the NICU. This heartfelt contribution will significantly enhance the unit's ability to provide critical care to newborns.
Rehabilitation Department Celebrates World Physiotherapy Day 2026 September 8th, 2026, was recognized globally as World Physiotherapy Day. At the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, the Rehabilitation Department marked the occasion with activities focused on encouraging movement to help prevent cardiovascular disease and stroke.
The donation which included Zaky Hugs and white sound noise machine will be used to create a more comforting and nurturing environment for the infants, supporting their growth and development during their critical early days. The Zaky Hugs are designed to mimic the gentle touch of a caregiver, offering warmth and comfort to the babies, while the white noise machines help create a soothing auditory backdrop that can aid in reducing stress and promoting better sleep patterns. Such thoughtful gifts not only contribute to the well-being of the infants but also provide invaluable support to the dedicated medical staff working tirelessly to ensure the best outcomes for these tiny patients. This act of kindness strengthens the community bonds and highlights the profound impact that generosity and compassion can have on the lives of others.
As part of the day's events, physiotherapists participated in a training session titiled Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke A Multidisciplinary Approach, which was organized by St Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital. The sessions offered new insight into innovative techniques for managing and preventing these conditions, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative approach in patient care. Attendees were introduced to the latest research findings and best practices, fostering a deeper understanding of how movement and physical therapy can significantly improve patient outcomes. Additionally, staff engaged in a video project highlighting the significance of movement in daily life and its role in preventing stroke and cardiovascular disease.
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INTERNATIONAL HOUSEKEEPING WEEK
Interhealth Canada-Turks and Caicos Islands Hospitals’ Facilities Management (FM) Team recognised International Housekeeping Week with a celebration for its Housekeeping staff on Thursday, OCtober 1st. International Housekeeping Week is a significant occasion to honor the hardworking professionals who ensure our environments are clean, safe, and efficient. In the healthcare sector, recognizing these individuals is particularly crucial due to the vital role they play in maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of infections. Housekeeping teams are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that medical facilities are not only clean but also compliant with stringent health standards. By celebrating this week, the FM team acknowledged their dedication and the impact their work has on patient care and recovery. It was an opportunity to express gratitude for their essential contributions to public health and to highlight the importance of their role in creating a safe and healing environment for all.
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