On Tuesday 7th March, 2023 during a Courtesy Call with the Caribbean Public Health Agency’s (CARPHA)Director of Surveillance, Prevention and Control Division, Dr. Lisa Indar, the Minister of Health & Wellness,the Hon. Dr. Michael R. Darville along with Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pearl McMillan, Deputy DirectorGeneral of the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, Dr. Kenneth Romer and President of theBahamas Hotel and Tourism Association, Mr. Robert Sands, all reaffirmed their joint endorsement of theTourism and Health Program (THP) and commitment to encouraging tourism and hospitality facilities throughout The Bahamas to fully participate in the program.

All stakeholders present acknowledged that the promotion of a healthier, safer tourism product not onlyprotects residents and visitors, but it also aids in sustaining economy growth. The health related datacollected can help to strengthen the country’s surveillance capacity to monitor and respond to tourism andcommunity based public health events and is managed with strict confidentiality.

The THP uses a secure web-based system designed to collect non -identifying health data from propertiesin real time and provide an early warning alert to health risk trends. The alerts trigger a response from thecountry’s National Surveillance Unit to investigate and mitigate against potential risk of an illness or diseasespread. Each facility will only have access to its own data. CARPHA will not have access to individualdata. Personal information about guests, workers or the company is not collected.

Use of the health information monitoring system and training in health and safety measures areprerequisites for awarding tourism facilities (including accommodations, restaurants, events, touroperators) the Healthier Safer Tourism (HST) award. The HST award is recognized by regional and globaltourism and health stakeholders. Moreover, it gives travelers the added assurance of choosing a healthier,safer option when making travel plans.

This week, ahead of CARPHA’s 67th Annual Health Research Conference that will be hosted in TheBahamas, April 27-29, 2023 at the Atlantis Resort, the THP conducted several training sessions at hotelproperties on New Providence and with members of the National Surveillance Unit. The program isexpected to be implemented throughout the archipelago with ongoing training opportunities. Facilities thatparticipate in the Tourism and Health Program and complete the standard requirements are awarded theHealthier, Safer Tourism (HST) Stamp.

The THP was officially launched in 2016 in six countries inclusive of The Bahamas and has now extendedto 13 countries. To learn more about the program or the upcoming conference visit https://www.carpha.org.

 

On Tuesday 7th March, 2023 during a Courtesy Call with the Caribbean Public Health Agency’s (CARPHA) Director of Surveillance, Prevention and Control Division, Dr. Lisa Indar, the Minister of Health & Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael R. Darville along with Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pearl McMillan, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, Dr. Kenneth Romer and President of the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association, Mr. Robert Sands, all reaffirmed their joint endorsement of the Tourism and Health Program (THP) and commitment to encouraging tourism and hospitality facilities throughout The Bahamas to fully participate in the program. All stakeholders present acknowledged that the promotion of a healthier, safer tourism product not only protects residents and visitors, but it also aids in sustaining economy growth. The health related data collected can help to strengthen the country’s surveillance capacity to monitor and respond to tourism and community based public health events and is managed with strict confidentiality. The THP uses a secure web-based system designed to collect non -identifying health data from properties in real time and provide an early warning alert to health risk trends. The alerts trigger a response from the country’s National Surveillance Unit to investigate and mitigate against potential risk of an illness or disease spread. Each facility will only have access to its own data. CARPHA will not have access to individual data. Personal information about guests, workers or the company is not collected. Use of the health information monitoring system and training in health and safety measures are prerequisites for awarding tourism facilities (including accommodations, restaurants, events, tour operators) the Healthier Safer Tourism (HST) award. The HST award is recognized by regional and global tourism and health stakeholders. Moreover, it gives travelers the added assurance of choosing a healthier, safer option when making travel plans. This week, ahead of CARPHA’s 67th Annual Health Research Conference that will be hosted in The Bahamas, April 27-29, 2023 at the Atlantis Resort, the THP conducted several training sessions at hotel properties on New Providence and with members of the National Surveillance Unit. The program is expected to be implemented throughout the archipelago with ongoing training opportunities. Facilities that participate in the Tourism and Health Program and complete the standard requirements are awarded the Healthier, Safer Tourism (HST) Stamp. The THP was officially launched in 2016 in six countries inclusive of The Bahamas and has now extended to 13 countries. To learn more about the program or the upcoming conference visit https://www.carpha.org.

The Princess Margaret Hospital through the Public Hospitals Authority received 100 cotton blankets from Quality Homes Center and a group of fraternity organizations, for the comfort of patients who present at the Emergency Department.

The official handover ceremony was held at Quality Home Centre on Prince Charles Drive, March 2, 2023.

According to PHA, the Emergency Department of PMH is often the first point of contact members of the public seeking “urgent” medical attention.

“It is important to provide a safe, clean and comfortable environment thus allowing patients to focus on their health,” said PHA. “The PHA is grateful to all partners in this generous donation which will improve the comfort and dignity of patients who access care at the hospital’s Emergency Department.”

On hand to accept the blankets – in various sizes – was Alana Major of the PHA Foundation who underscored the importance of public private partnership, especially pertaining to the administering of health services to the community.

Other stakeholders who contributed to the donation were Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Iota Epsilon Lambda and Phi Mu (University of The Bahamas) Chapters.

Kevin Basden, President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, said the fraternities believe in giving back to the community not only in this case to the PMH but in other areas of nation building. Also, Frannie Mullings, manager of Quality Home Centre said the business was pleased to be involved, and encouraged other corporate citizens to do likewise.

 

The Princess Margaret Hospital through the Public Hospitals Authority received 100 cotton blankets from Quality Homes Center and a group of fraternity organizations, for the comfort of patients who present at the Emergency Department. The official handover ceremony was held at Quality Home Centre on Prince Charles Drive, March 2, 2023. According to PHA, the Emergency Department of PMH is often the first point of contact members of the public seeking “urgent” medical attention. “It is important to provide a safe, clean and comfortable environment thus allowing patients to focus on their health,” said PHA. “The PHA is grateful to all partners in this generous donation which will improve the comfort and dignity of patients who access care at the hospital’s Emergency Department.” On hand to accept the blankets – in various sizes – was Alana Major of the PHA Foundation who underscored the importance of public private partnership, especially pertaining to the administering of health services to the community. Other stakeholders who contributed to the donation were Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Iota Epsilon Lambda and Phi Mu (University of The Bahamas) Chapters. Kevin Basden, President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, said the fraternities believe in giving back to the community not only in this case to the PMH but in other areas of nation building. Also, Frannie Mullings, manager of Quality Home Centre said the business was pleased to be involved, and encouraged other corporate citizens to do likewise.

On the World Health Organization’s (WHO) “World Hearing Day” 3rd March 2023, the Hon.Obediah H. Wilchcombe, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development said that his Ministry, along with theNational Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) fully supports this cause. World Hearing Day’s objective isto create awareness about preventing hearing loss and to promote ear and hearing care for all ages, especially thosewho are already hearing impaired in The Bahamas. The 2023 “World Hearing Day” theme is “Ear and Hearing carefor all – let’s make it a reality” and the goal is to have ear and hearing care, audiology screening and hearing lossprevention testing provided as primary care services throughout the world.

Minister Wilchcombe says the initiative by the WHO to make hearing care a part of primary care is indeed a mostworthy one, as a preventative measure it would alleviate the need for resources to be allocated if healthcare providersare able to provide early diagnosis and intervention to improve the quality of life for those with hearing impairments.

In my Ministry, said Minister Wilchcombe, “we process applications daily for assistance with getting treatment forhearing impairment or loss. My Ministry, assist qualified applicants with getting hearing aids and assistance with travelrelated costs for screenings, diagnoses, surgeries, and treatments as necessary. We also assist affected families withSign-language Classes and assistive technology based on need,” stated Minister Wilchcombe.

Minister Wilchcombe noted that, his Ministry provides a Sign-language Interpreter for court sessions, learninginstitutions and at NCPD meetings. “More importantly, Minister Wilchcombe said, we have ensured that National eventshave a Sign-language Interpreter present; for example, during the National Budget Debate in June 2022 and for thelaunch of the 50th Anniversary Logo!” He also noted, “by Law Sign-language Interpreters are required to be availableso that persons with a hearing impairment may have equal access to national broadcasts, along with closed caption,”he continued.

The NCPD reported that a group of 150 hearing-impaired visitors in August 2022, were provided with Sign-languageInterpreter services at their arrival, throughout their stay in Nassau and at departure. The group said they enjoyed thehospitality shown to them by the provision of such services, which ensured that all formalities and their needs weremet. The NCPD says that the Disability Tourism market could be a game changer for The Bahamas. Last Fall, theNassau Airport Development Company (NAD) launched the Sunflower Lanyard programme at the Lynden PindlingInternational Airport (LPIA) in recognition of persons traveling with hidden disabilities.

The Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development says it looks forward to the implementation of the WHO’s 2023initiative to make ear and hearing care a reality for all!

On the World Health Organization’s (WHO) “World Hearing Day” 3rd March 2023, the Hon. Obediah H. Wilchcombe, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development said that his Ministry, along with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) fully supports this cause. World Hearing Day’s objective is to create awareness about preventing hearing loss and to promote ear and hearing care for all ages, especially those who are already hearing impaired in The Bahamas. The 2023 “World Hearing Day” theme is “Ear and Hearing care for all – let’s make it a reality” and the goal is to have ear and hearing care, audiology screening and hearing loss prevention testing provided as primary care services throughout the world. Minister Wilchcombe says the initiative by the WHO to make hearing care a part of primary care is indeed a most worthy one, as a preventative measure it would alleviate the need for resources to be allocated if healthcare providers are able to provide early diagnosis and intervention to improve the quality of life for those with hearing impairments. In my Ministry, said Minister Wilchcombe, “we process applications daily for assistance with getting treatment for hearing impairment or loss. My Ministry, assist qualified applicants with getting hearing aids and assistance with travelrelated costs for screenings, diagnoses, surgeries, and treatments as necessary. We also assist affected families with Sign-language Classes and assistive technology based on need,” stated Minister Wilchcombe. Minister Wilchcombe noted that, his Ministry provides a Sign-language Interpreter for court sessions, learning institutions and at NCPD meetings. “More importantly, Minister Wilchcombe said, we have ensured that National events have a Sign-language Interpreter present; for example, during the National Budget Debate in June 2022 and for the launch of the 50th Anniversary Logo!” He also noted, “by Law Sign-language Interpreters are required to be available so that persons with a hearing impairment may have equal access to national broadcasts, along with closed caption,” he continued. The NCPD reported that a group of 150 hearing-impaired visitors in August 2022, were provided with Sign-language Interpreter services at their arrival, throughout their stay in Nassau and at departure. The group said they enjoyed the hospitality shown to them by the provision of such services, which ensured that all formalities and their needs were met. The NCPD says that the Disability Tourism market could be a game changer for The Bahamas. Last Fall, the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) launched the Sunflower Lanyard programme at the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) in recognition of persons traveling with hidden disabilities. The Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development says it looks forward to the implementation of the WHO’s 2023 initiative to make ear and hearing care a reality for all!

 

FORMER Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said a recent spate in shootings has affected public health services and a joint focus on crime and healthcare is needed.

There has been a series of shooting incidents in recent weeks, with many victims having to seek treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital. #Dr Sands’ comments come as Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis last night announced that ground will be broken for a new hospital in New Providence in June, and in Grand Bahama within a month. Mr Davis was speaking at a PLP branch meeting in Killarney. #Dr Sands, the Free National Movement chairman, told The Tribune that because of a limitation of staff, the operating rooms at Princess Margaret Hospital and Rand Memorial in Grand Bahama are not open to full capacity. #He explained that although there may be a certain number of operating rooms, the challenge is the lack of qualified nurses that are able to facilitate care in those areas. #The usage of the operating rooms to treat gunshot wounds or stabbing injuries does interfere with the ability to provide “non-emergency care,” he said. # Dr Sands said: “Given the limits in staff in many of the critical care areas, the operating rooms at both the Rand Memorial and Princess Margaret Hospital are not open to full capacity. # “So, requiring the use of the operating rooms for gunshot wounds or stabbings clearly interferes with the ability to provide non-emergency care. And this has been a perennial problem that gets worse, gets better, (and) gets worse, gets better.” # According to police, a 26-year-old male was left injured following a shooting incident that occurred on Monday in the Nassau Village area. # He was assisted to PMH by a private vehicle where he has been admitted for further medical care. # On February 24, a ten-year-old boy, who left home to purchase food, was shot and injured. He was also taken to hospital, but has since been released. # On February 23, a 15-year-old boy was shot in the area of Windsor Lane shortly after 7.30pm. # Dr Sands described the influx of patients involved in criminal incidents as being a major issue affecting healthcare services. # Meanwhile, as more “trauma” patients are admitted to the hospital the demand for blood has also increased. # “It also impacts the availability of blood and blood products, because of the demand placed on the blood bank for blood products from trauma patients,” he said. # “Understand that we happen to be one of those countries that has, as for many years, had among the highest rates of violent penetrating trauma in the world,” he said. # Dr Sands stressed there needs to be a joint focus on crime and healthcare. # He continued: “And it speaks to the fact that as a country, we really have to make the connection between violence and healthcare. It was a critical part of my emphasis as minister and it remains a challenge.” # Dr Sands also bashed the Davis administration’s new treatment of VAT on health services. He described it as a “regressive” step, adding that it will reduce access to health care.

There has been a series of shooting incidents in recent weeks, with many victims having to seek treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital.

Dr Sands’ comments come as Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis last night announced that ground will be broken for a new hospital in New Providence in June, and in Grand Bahama within a month. Mr Davis was speaking at a PLP branch meeting in Killarney.

Dr Sands, the Free National Movement chairman, told The Tribune that because of a limitation of staff, the operating rooms at Princess Margaret Hospital and Rand Memorial in Grand Bahama are not open to full capacity.

He explained that although there may be a certain number of operating rooms, the challenge is the lack of qualified nurses that are able to facilitate care in those areas.

The usage of the operating rooms to treat gunshot wounds or stabbing injuries does interfere with the ability to provide “non-emergency care,” he said.

Dr Sands said: “Given the limits in staff in many of the critical care areas, the operating rooms at both the Rand Memorial and Princess Margaret Hospital are not open to full capacity.

“So, requiring the use of the operating rooms for gunshot wounds or stabbings clearly interferes with the ability to provide non-emergency care. And this has been a perennial problem that gets worse, gets better, (and) gets worse, gets better.”

According to police, a 26-year-old male was left injured following a shooting incident that occurred on Monday in the Nassau Village area.

He was assisted to PMH by a private vehicle where he has been admitted for further medical care.

On February 24, a ten-year-old boy, who left home to purchase food, was shot and injured. He was also taken to hospital, but has since been released.

On February 23, a 15-year-old boy was shot in the area of Windsor Lane shortly after 7.30pm.

Dr Sands described the influx of patients involved in criminal incidents as being a major issue affecting healthcare services.

Meanwhile, as more “trauma” patients are admitted to the hospital the demand for blood has also increased.

“It also impacts the availability of blood and blood products, because of the demand placed on the blood bank for blood products from trauma patients,” he said.

“Understand that we happen to be one of those countries that has, as for many years, had among the highest rates of violent penetrating trauma in the world,” he said.

Dr Sands stressed there needs to be a joint focus on crime and healthcare.

He continued: “And it speaks to the fact that as a country, we really have to make the connection between violence and healthcare. It was a critical part of my emphasis as minister and it remains a challenge.”

Dr Sands also bashed the Davis administration’s new treatment of VAT on health services. He described it as a “regressive” step, adding that it will reduce access to health care.