Finally… A Role likely for Dr. Velma Scantlebury

One of the most pleasing achievements for the Consulate has been, finally, getting some traction for Dr. Velma Scantlebury, the first female black transplant surgeon, to utilise her experience, universally praised skills and connections to help with renal and NCD diseases in Barbados.

In the end, Prime Minister Mia Mottley cemented the process, chairing a meeting with the Minister of Health and other health officials and Dr. Scantlebury. President Dame Sandra Mason also held an audience with Dr. Scantlebury setting the proper tone and according our medical rock star the kind of interaction that all should follow.

However, much of the credit should go to Terri-Anne Moore-Knowles, a Project Manager at QEH. From a simple, off the cuff conversation with CG Holder in January, when he was in Barbados, Moore-Knowles got behind the desire to have Dr. Scantlebury involved in Barbados. She carried the weight of speaking with the doctor, getting relevant parties involved, including Transplant Links and Forlam Foundation, organizing meetings and most aspects of the business side of Dr. Scantlebury’s trip.

A working lunch chaired by then Minister of Health and Wellness Ian Gooding-Edghill followed the Prime Minister’s meeting. Discussions examined the existing situation with transplantation in Barbados, necessary inputs to a more viable programme, and how Dr. Scantlebury could assist.

Legislation, a comprehensive sensitization public relations programme and some medical inputs were identified as priorities for an energized renal disease and transplant project.

The aim is to move beyond the average two transplants a year, except when an English team undertakes procedures, with strong emphasis on improved diet and exercise to reduce renal disease in the first place.

A work in progress, what is agreed is that Dr. Scantlebury can definitely make a decisive difference.