Queen Elizabeth Hospital 46th Anniversary Special

W E E K E N D

t 12-PAGE FEATURE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2010.

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital s contact numbers are: 짜 EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICE: 511 OR 426-0015 짜 MAIN SWITCHBOARD: 436 6450 짜 ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY OPERATOR 436-6450 Ext. 5540 짜 APPOINTMENTS: 436-6450 Ext. 6120 HOTLINE: 228-6824 (22-TOUCH)

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2010. WEEKEND NATION EXTRA

46TH ANNIVERSARY About The Queen Elizabeth Hospital THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL (QEH), which is currently celebrating it’s 46th anniversary, is the country’s primary acute care medical facility. The QEH is also an accredited teaching hospital affiliated with the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.

The QEH opened its doors on November 14, 1964, seeking to address the medical, surgical, clinical and treatment needs of the Caribbean and to serve as a teaching hospital for those seeking a career in the medical profession.

Since its inception, the hospital has expanded its bed capacity from 464 beds to the current 600 beds.

Four Clinical Directorates serve as an umbrella for the clinical functions of the hospital. They are: ‘Surgical Services’, ‘Women and Children’, ‘Medicine and Accident & Emergency’ and ‘Diagnostic Services’. Added to these is the ‘Other Services’,

ROSLYN KING

including ‘Corporate Adminstration’, ‘Nursing Services’, ‘HR’, ‘Finance’, ‘Support Services’ and Engineering’.

Operational plans for the QEH continue to focus on strengthening the delivery of quality health care with strategic direction guided by the 10-year plan for health and the QEH Care Excellence Programme (CEP).

The hospital’s vision is to be the leader among healthcare facilities in the region by delivering healthcare and professional teaching services of the highest quality, while maximising benefits to all stakeholders.

The QEH’s mission statement is: To be the premier regional institution providing excellent, patient-centred, secondary and tertiary health care services and health professional teaching in Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean and beyond.

(Pictures by Rawle Culbard)

Chorus of praise from patients

CARL CHANDLER

THE QUEEN ELIZABETH Hospital (QEH) has provided high quality, free service to many Barbadians over the years, most of whom are grateful to this health institution.

Below, patients express their gratitude to the QEH staff, as they celebrate the hospital’s 46th anniversary.

SHANTANETTE BECKLES

BEVERLEY KNIGHT

Carl Chandler, 54, dialysis patient: I give credit to all the staff of the QEH, without singling out any.

I have been on the dialysis machine for 18 months and have not had any difficulty so far.

I attend the hospital twice weekly, and find the staff to be friendly and co-operative. Sometimes there is a little wait and that is understandable, but I have tailored my Mondays and Wednesdays in such a way that I do not have anything else to do on these days.

Roslyn King, 50, dialysis patient: I have been on the dialysis machine for 15 years and I must admit that service in the Dialysis Department has been good. Like most units there are ups and downs, and always room for improvement because we expect the best. There has been improvement over the years, and some machines have been replaced by more modern brands. I am sure that Government is doing all it can to assist the QEH. Barbados is the only country in the region offering free dialysis service to its citizens. There are currently 23 machines and with the shift system in place, patients are adequately served.

Beverley Knight, 54, dialysis patient: The service at the QEH is excellent, this is not to say there cannot be improvements, but we cannot ask for more at this time. In the other Caribbean countries persons have to pay for their dialysis treatment and medication. In some islands it costs as much as $800 or so for one dialysis treatment.

I visit the QEH to go on the dialysis machine three times a week for four hours each visit. I started using the dialysis machine in 1989, but stopped when I had a kidney transplant in 1992. I came back to the programme

in 2000 when my body rejected the kidney.

Shantanette Beckles, 27, ante-natal patient: I am due to deliver my first baby any time now. I started attending the Ante-Natal Unit last August, and so

far, my experiences have been good. The nurses have done a great job in preparing me for motherhood, and told me what I will go through when it comes to giving birth.

There is some waiting for medication, but this apart, the staff in this Unit are very friendly.

Excellence at core of goals THE GOALS of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital are: To be a Centre of Excellence for the delivery of secondary and tertiary medical care for Barbadians, visitors and persons referred from the region.

To be a Centre of Excellence for undergraduate and postgraduate teaching of health care disciplines for Barbados and the region.

To provide equality of health care and respect for the rights of individuals, irrespective of class, colour, creed, religion or sexual orientation.

To have a continuing evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of all aspects of health care delivery, to reduce wastage and enhance performance.

To develop a complement of highly motivated employees, dedicated to the principle that the patient comes first in all deliberations and activities.

To provide, develop and maintain a working environment which is clean, healthy and conducive to team building.

To commit to the upliftment of health services in the

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community through the training of personnel, the provision of services and the promotion of positive interaction between health care workers in the community and the hospital.

To make the best use of modern information technology to enhance and sustain the operations of the hospital.

To provide access to all available services and timely response to referring practitioners To harness new developments as required in accordance with the strategic direction of the hospital.

To establish and maintain standards which are internationally acceptable.

To foster community linkages in the overall development of the hospital.

To empower all employees in the decision-making process.

To provide all services in a timely manner.

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WEEKEND NATION EXTRA. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2010.

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46TH ANNIVERSARY

QEH getting better for all Forty-sixth anniversary message from Chief Executive Officer of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Dr Dexter James.

images by radiologists.

The implementation of tele-radiology is a must for the QEH; it will facilitate connectivity to service providers overseas and provide for expanding capacity for the real AS THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, charged with the time interpretation and reporting on all types of diagnostic responsibility to continue the transformation and images. improvements to hospital services around the brand of It is through these and other efforts that we will refresh patient-centered care, I feel extremely proud to celebrate our brand so that the past perceptions of the QEH will our achievements to date. change to a level of public acceptance as the pride and As we reflect on the past year, we have made joy of every Barbadian, in just the same way as tremendous strides at improving and maintaining stability Americans will applaud Jackson Memorial Hospital or in our operations. There is a sense of hopefulness by Canadians – the Sick Kids Hospital. This dream is well staff and the public that something good is happening and within our reach. a better day for improved hospital care is coming.

In short, we must and will respond to meet the needs We have managed to: of public expectation and the needs of a changing society.

Maintain the mix of private surgeries at the hospital We have set in motion a formal mechanism to receive to within 25 per cent of all cases done; timely feedback from our patients and visitors. There is Strengthen our admissions, billings and collections the 22-TOUCH hotline (228-6824) which is manned solely processes which have led to improvements in total by volunteers on a daily basis: Mondays to Fridays from collections performance of approximately 25 per cent 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. over the previous periods; This is an independent service. Please call and share Relocate out-patients clinics for paediatrics, ENT, your commendations, suggestions or feedback on ways in neurology, neurosurgery and dermatology at new which we can improve the quality of our services. facilities at building # 6 at the Enmore complex. This We have recently launched in-patient satisfaction DR DEXTER JAMES. has led to improved operations and management of surveys across all wards so that we can hear from you CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, these clinics and a reduction in patient-flow activity at about your interaction with the medical and nursing staff THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL (FP) the main hospital; and general care experience, the quality of food services Improve waiting times at Accident and Emergency and the environment of care. Anecdotally, health research Reduced and sustained improvements to waiting (A&E), though not on a sustainable basis due to has shown that these and other attributes contribute to a times at A&E; challenges with bed management; more complete understanding of the quality of the patientReduced backlogs and waiting times for elective Have improved significantly – door to triage – care experience. It is not solely about good patient surgeries; reduced from one hour to 45 minutes); door to doctor – outcomes.

Reduced backlogs for selected diagnostic services (reduced from eight-hours to four-hours); and Finally, last month we re-launched our website – such as mammography and ultrasounds; and Minimise stock-outs for drugs and pharmaceuticals, www.qehconnect.com, as a major information portal for A more patient-friendly and empathetic caregiver. reagents and medical supplies. providing real time information on our vision and package We are introducing new medical technology such as On the recapitalisation efforts, we continue to focus of services, patient information, listing of doctors, career laparoscopic (keyhole surgery) surgery in Obstetrics and attention on completing the $14m electrical upgrade opportunities and patient and visitor feedback. Feedback, Gynaecology so that patients can be seen as day cases which will provide excess capacity to meet our current when analysed, will allow us to make informed decisions rather than admitted to hospital beds. This will reduce and future needs. This project is progressing well and we lengths of stay and ultimately costs. We are exploring the in an effort to meet patients’ expectations. anticipate a completion date by June next year. Funding It is in this context that we have focused our central opportunities and benefits of Information Communications is currently being considered for the Lions Caribbean Eye Technology (ICT) to provide opportunities for real-time theme for the future around: Getting better together.

Care Centre so that ophthalmology services can return to interpretation and reporting of CTs and other diagnostic Be part of it! its permanent home with a more congenial setting for patient-care.

Finally, we are committed to completing the cardiac suite and Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU).

These improvements are but a few accounts of the strides we are making to transform the QEH. I am encouraged by the many public sentiments on the noticeable changes and the sincere words of encouragement and advice on ways in which we could impact the patient-care experience.

This is our mandate and we will be relentless until such time that we continue to receive sustained positive feedback from patients and the public on the level and quality of their care and treatment experience.

Having said that, we need your help so we can better serve you. We need you to act responsibly in the access to and use of our Emergency Ambulance Services. This service should only be called for life threatening conditions and not used as a form of patient transport.

Use Accident and Emergency services only for "accidents" and "emergencies".

For other medical conditions, make better use of the polyclinics, and make sure you pay your hospital bills on time. These funds are needed for us to make the necessary improvements to patient-care and sustainability.

For those publics with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, exercise a greater sense of personal responsibility for your care. If you fail to, the burden of these diseases will drive hospital costs up through unnecessary admissions, cost of medications, unnecessary amputations and the greater need for rehabilitation services. This disease may also lead to cardio-vascular complications, and the need for high-cost dialysis services.

In the coming months, as we continue this journey of care improvement, we intend to build on gains made over the many years. We understand that there are high public expectations in a number of priority areas: Including the need for continued improvements in the appointment system and general management of outpatient clinics;

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2010. WEEKEND NATION EXTRA

46TH ANNIVERSARY

Witness to changes through the years HE has vivid memories of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in its formative years, and the fact that this health institution grew and expanded significantly by utilising its internal space.

Call senior laboratory technologist Arthur Pounder a walking history book when it comes to the QEH. As one of two employees with over 40 years’ service, Pounder’s vast knowledge of the layout of the hospital when it was first built, can only be described as unbelievable.

Educated at the Modern High School and the University of the West Indies, Pounder joined the QEH as a clerical officer/trainee laboratory technician in 1969. He had already worked for short periods as a trainee druggist and a postal assistant.

In 1973, following training in Jamaica, where he completed First Level Examinations, known back then as the Certificate in Medical Laboratory Technology, Pounder was promoted to the post of laboratory technician. This preceded three years of training as a laboratory apprentice. He also completed a Diploma in

blood grouping and preparing tissues for pathologists – among others. In 2002, he was promoted yet again, this time to his current position of senior technologist.

In his current post, he manages a team of 15 laboratory technologists in the Haematology and Blood Bank units of the Pathology Department.

Pounder remembers that the hospital was constructed to accommodate internal expansion.

“The corridors were quite big and many additional rooms were added over the years.

“Internal expansion allowed for the addition of consultancy offices, clinics – including staff clinics; the social workers’ department; paediatric and surgical offices – among others.

“You did not have to go outside the walls of the hospital to expand,” he stressed.

ARTHUR POUNDER, senior laboratory technologist, joined the He also recalls how the QEH more than 40 years ago and has witnessed many of the major hospital’s fountain and walls were changes the institution has undergone. (RC) removed to make room for additional space. again, this time to the post of Haematology, and a six-month “The Casualty now is not laboratory technologist. His duties diploma course, in Jamaica, where it used to be. It used to be included performing various sponsored by the Pan American where the Paediatric Clinic and laboratory investigations – such Health Organisation (PAHO).

ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Unit Pounder returned to the QEH as haemoglobin analysis; white now occupy. in 1976, and was promoted once cell analysis; cross matching,

“The hospital, however, was always five levels, as it was not constructed for further upward construction.

“The Lions Eye Care Centre was added and the in-filled block now accommodates lecture theatres, and the Surgical Intensive Care Unit.

“The Accident and Emergency Unit and the Asthma Bay were also built over the years,” added Pounder.

He also noted that the external southern and eastern ends of the hospital were once gardens.

These, along with the Ministry of Transport and Works Depot (which was situated at the back of the compound), were taken over by car parks, Pounder informed.

In addition, he recalls that a bus, which plied the St Philip route, would drop off visitors to the health institution just outside the hospital, and became known as “the hospital bus”.

The days of hosting children’s parties in the QEH and carrying out manual laboratory tests (before tests became automated), are also among the many memories which Pounder holds dear to his heart.

WEEKEND NATION EXTRA. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2010.

CLAUDE LEWIS is the longest standing employee of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), having joined this health institution in 1968.

Today, he holds the post of chief laboratory technologist, but his rise to this position, has been one of consistent education, humbleness of spirit, and a deep love for his work.

Educated at Coleridge Parry School, Lewis first worked in Government’s audit department, before joining the staff as a laboratory technician at what was then known as the Enmore Health Centre (later renamed the Winston Scott Polyclinic).

While he was assigned to the Enmore Health Centre, which was located at Bay Street, St Michael, the Public Health Laboratory where Lewis was employed in fact, was under the direction of the QEH, Pathology Department.

His duties back then included performing basic clinical laboratory tests including tests for tuberculosis.

His first in a number of moves between the QEH and the Health Centre was in 1969, when he worked as a junior laboratory assistant in the hospital’s Laboratory Department.

On completion of further studies in 1970, he returned

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45TH ANNIVERSARY

43-year love affair with lab work before taking up the post of senior technologist in the Microbiology Department at QEH in June 2000.

In March 2003, Lewis was promoted to the post of chief laboratory CLAUDE LEWIS has risen technologist. In this role, he through the ranks of the coordinates the functions QEH over the last 43 years and day-to-day operations to the post of Chief of the technical staff of the Laboratory Technologist.

QEH Laboratory. Lewis is (RC) responsible for the ordering to the Health Centre, where and provision of supplies for he spent another two years, all the sub-departments in before his return once again the Pathology Laboratory. to the QEH. This includes the In 1975, he left Barbados Hematology, Microbiology, to undergo training at the Clinical Chemistry, Histology Centre for Disease Control and Cytology departments in the United States, where as well as the National he completed studies in Blood Collection Centre. florescent microscopy. He Lewis admits that he returned to the Health always possessed a love for Centre where he worked “laboratory type” work. from 1975 to 1979, carrying “From my school days I out florescent microscopy knew I wanted to work in a testing for syphilis. laboratory. Working in the Following additional health sector provided me studies, and attachments to with that opportunity,” he the QEH, Lewis returned to said. what was by then the Public He has witnessed the Health Laboratory at the growth and extension of the Winston Scott Polyclinic QEH throughout the years,

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and admits: “I’ve had to change with the times.

“When I came to the hospital, there was an open door policy. There was no need for security like there is today. Now, it’s a different

seams”.

“Even the laboratory is bursting at its seams and is awaiting promised space,” he noted.

When he looks back over his past 43 years with this leading health institution, era.”

Lewis also explained that Lewis said it felt like just a many departments have had short stint. “I would not to be separated in an effort swap my work or my time at to better utilise the available the QEH for anything else. space at the QEH, which he My work is my passion, and described as “bursting at its I love it,” he said.

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46TH ANNIVERSARY

Initiatives geared toward better service THE recent round of surgeries to correct curvatures of the back has been hailed a success by Dr Jerome Jones of the Orthopaedic department.

A team of local surgeons and a visiting team from New York had managed the cases of five teenagers and adults, all of whom returned home within one week of their respective surgeries without a need for a brace.

Ongoing assessments from local doctors will last for up to five years and patients can expect to return to limited activities in six months and normal activities (without contact sports) within a year.

Of great news to the one in 2 000 Barbadians who have scoliosis will be the commitment, from the QEH’s Orthopaedic Department that the schedule of complex cases with the visiting surgeons will continue long after September.

development continues to be a priority for the QEH, with a steady number of nursing staff trained for the recent period at the Barbados Community College.

Currently, 27 nurses are pursuing the Associate Degree in Nursing, all fullyfunded by the QEH. Four nurses are also training in midwifery and 1 other in mental health nursing.

For Director of Nursing Services, Bernadette Harris,

BOARD of management of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital. the advancement of her nursing staff represents the hospital’s commitment to developing staff and

enhancing the quality of nursing care.

All nurses are encouraged to pursue

courses as part of their career development and continuous professional education. There are a

plethora of courses available. Recently provided courses include enteral feeding, diabetes

management and the newly introduced training in the use of mechanical hoists- a new initiative at the QEH.

Focus for future: Improved patient care Message from Reverend Guy Hewitt Chairman, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital

sure that the various mechanisms already put in place will reap positive returns for all who access Patients’ feedback our services, whether As part of the recently ON THIS OCCASION – directly or indirectly. piloted project, 10 000 With respect to our surveys are being rolled-out the 46th anniversary of The service delivery, we continue across the wards of the QEH Queen Elizabeth Hospital – I would like to take the to view this as an evolving to obtain feedback from all opportunity to thank all process. With over 20 000 patients.

Patients are being asked Barbadians, inclusive of our admissions each year, the patients, visitors and staff, needs of the patient are for their opinions on their in helping to make 2010 diverse. Moreover, the recent experiences successful for us as the varying health care needs of including: island’s main public health the patient bring with it a • Medical and nursing care institution. requirement for us, as care I am proud to be the providers of good health • The environment (of chairman of this treasured care, to keep pace with the the hospital) and valuable health care many technologies and • Quality of meals provider and I believe that other advancements The revised survey has been developed to obtain the coming years bring new in the field.

As we take continued information from patients optimism and an improved platform for service-delivery strides forward, we about their health care and patient care. This gives recognise the experience and is only multidisciplinary nature of one of several strategies me confidence that we will achieve our objective of health care will call for us to being used by the Getting Better Together manage a plethora of areas hospital to gain a and indeed, realise our in an efficient and effective complete picture of the mission of providing prompt, manner. At any one time, patient experience. This our teams can be working to is supported by the formal skilled and compassionate health care to you – our improve on the aesthetic complaints system and aspects of the building; to the 22-Touch (228 6824) public.

But, as ever, we all increase our electrical hotline. need to remain vigilant in capacity; to respond to the By surveying patients international requirements regularly, the QEH hopes to ensuring that the inevitable challenges are mitigated. for falls prevention or to rollkeep in touch with those This calls for us, as health out wireless capabilities for aspects of care that are care professionals, to be our doctors to interpret and especially important to mindful of the precise needs report on CT scans patients. The information remotely. being gathered is considered of the public. Through the recently launched patient This is but a minor necessary for devising improvement plans to serve survey and the new Hotline portion of a whole package service, we are certain that of service improvements patients better. It is all part your thoughts and views will aimed at enhancing our of patient-centered care. be better heard. service delivery and With a commitment to ensuring a consistent and Taking nurses improve and enhance on our positive experience for our to a higher level patient-care, we are also patients, visitors and staff Ongoing staff

alike.

As we move closer to the half-century mark, I wish to express, again, my heartfelt thanks to all of our staff members; who in their own way, contribute significantly to the diverse functions of the QEH. Some of you have supported this institution and its patients through over 40 years of sheer hard work; whilst the tenure for some

may not be so long but yet has already yielded high returns with respect to the care of patients. For that unerring commitment, we wish to express our gratitude. We, as the board of management, respect and value you and remain committed to supporting you to carry out your duties.

I also wish to thank our various sponsors, who

demonstrate great acts of generosity and commitment to a key component of our community. Without you, we would be challenged to acquire essential pieces of equipment and to carry out essential physical works.

We also wish to say thank you to our patients and visitors who continue to trust in us as the island’s more recognised health care

REVEREND GUY HEWITT: CHAIRMAN, THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL (GP)

provider. With such needs and emphasis placed on us, we continue to strive for better and to do better, with the health of our fellow citizens foremost in our

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46TH ANNIVERSARY

PRIVATE WAITING AREAS for families are also part of the positive improvements being made at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. (RC) THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL (QEH) takes a holistic approach to the delivery of care for its patients.

Towards that end, the management and staff continue with a vigorous plan to plough all efforts into ensuring the aesthetic appeal and comfort of the physical environment besides clinical aspects.

Late last year, chief executive officer, Dr Dexter James and his team of executive directors outlined a full programme of works, including the refurbishments to the Lions Caribbean Eye Care Centre (LCECC) and the main entrance upgrades. It has also been indicated that the QEH Trust, set to launch in early 2011, will foster a better route for donations; integral to the QEH function and hugely important in generating some of the refurbishment programmes.

Here, we take a look at some of the activities which are coming to fruition and which look set to greatly enhance the hospital experience:

Changes for the better

New Surroundings For Select Clinics The recently relocated clinics to the Enmore compound on Martindales Road now provide a newly refurbished environment where patients can comfortably await their respective services. It is envisaged that the move and refurbishment, costing in the region of $200 000, will allow clinics to operate to their maximum capacity with the longterm aim to house them more permanently under the roof of the Lions Caribbean Eye Care Centre. With the intention to maximise the seating capacity to 50 persons, through the use of an outdoor seating area, the Project team is working fervently to ensure that the area is enclosed within the next few weeks. The addition of an air conditioning unit for this area will also manifest itself in greater comfort levels for patients.

Having moved over to the former residents’ compound, the following clinics can now be found in building No.8: ENT, Paediatrics, Dermatology, Neurology and Neurosurgery.

A More Comfortable Wait in Accident and Emergency The wait in A&E has become a far more pleasing one for patients; ironically, as intentions are stated to reduce the waiting period from arrival to being seen by a doctor.

Thus far, extensive work have been carried out in terms of paintwork, installation of a water cooler system and the painting of the ambulance bays. In the weeks to come, patients and visitors can also look forward to the provision of health care information via LCD TV as well as new, standardised signage.

As the patient advocates make a noticeable improvement to the communication channels between the department and patients/visitors, the stage looks set to present a far more favourable A&E experience.

Public Washroom Overhaul The QEH recently opened its doors to its revamped public washrooms with brand new fixtures and a batch of brightly-coloured signage to boot. Besides tank-less toilets, which minimise the amount of water used between each flush, the public will welcome a new extraction

• Continued on next page.

IMPROVED SINGAGE is among the positive changes being made at the QEH. (RC)

WEEKEND NATION EXTRA. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2010.

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46TH ANNIVERSARY • From Page 8.

Visitors’ comfort a priority

system which minimises odours. Wall-hung toilets and greater tile coverage will allow for an easier cleaning process too.

It’s all part and parcel of a $80 000 package of works which recognise that the comfort of all visitors and patients to the hospital is key.

There’s a sense now that one is not too far from home with the more inviting sanitary facility. Moreover, users are being urged to preserve the condition of the area.

As such, persons are kindly asked to respect the newly refurbished units, including the addition of a disabled toilet for both males and females.

The management also extends a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ for the patience of the public whilst works were carried out.

Private Area for Families “Excellent, fantastic surgery” and “amazing care” sum up the sentiments of Ms Maria Boyce-Taylor towards the services received by her late father at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital up to and during 2009.

It also puts into context the

motivation for her and family members maximising efforts to create a private, comfortable space for those persons who are visiting patients at the hospital and who may require a confidential area when liaising with medical professionals also.

Following a great deal of work by the Boyce-Taylor family in conjunction with corporate sponsors; the resulting outfitting of the room and the addition of a sofa, drapes, microwave and other items looks to reap tremendous benefits.

Situated within the High Dependency Unit (Ward A3), the new-look $8 000 room also holds a conference table and chairs plus a refrigerator.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2010. WEEKEND NATION

46TH ANNIVERSARY THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL (QEH) is encouraging members of the public to pick up the telephone and call 228-6824 (22-TOUCH).

Extending beyond a general switchboard, the QEH Hotline represents a very real way in which people can affect change within this very critical aspect of the healthcare system and contribute towards the smooth running of the QEH. With the view that members of the public are best suited to help with determining the future of the island’s main hospital, the QEH Hotline has been set up as a central feature of customer-care endeavours. CANON NOEL BURKE, chaplain of the QEH, However, since its launch manages the team of Hotline volunteers . (FP) on April 19, 2010, takeup of the service has been slow. While the volunteers have been dedicated to working the phones, the numbers calling in have been modest.

Still, the QEH is keen to sustain efforts to connect to the public with a realisation that healthcare objectives are best met in tandem with public opinion.

To that end, the management is again and concerns of the wider public are calling on the public to have intrinsic to patient-focused care and the their say in the process.

Putting patients first is not just a slogan provision of information for improvements but a clearly envisaged objective – with the in the quality of care.

Each call is dealt with on an individual hospital keen in its commitment to allow a direct route to the decision-makers at both basis so while some may require a full investigative process of up to two weeks to operational as well as board level in a ensure a response and possible action; confidential manner. other instances may take just a half hour Facilitating a thorough feedback to identify an adequate response and have process for patients and public the appropriate department address the As a complement to the hospital matter. switchboard, the QEH Hotline seeks to It’s a wonderful opportunity to air your provide a conduit by which all members of the public can call to share or discuss any views with a volunteer who is impartial while not being impersonal, and who will matter pertaining to the hospital. also ensure a completely confidential Be it a commendation or a suggestion, a team of 17 hotline volunteers have been service from the initial point of call right through to the point of submission to the fully trained to deal with such calls and Board of Management, if deemed remain ready to do so on a Monday to appropriate.

Friday basis, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If there’s any doubt that your call can make a difference, consider the sentiments of Chaplain for the QEH, Canon Noel Burke, who takes responsibility for managing the team of volunteers. He shares that there’s a very systematic approach to dealing with each call; with the chief executive officer (CEO) and department heads keen to embrace the viewpoints of the public.

From the point of picking up the telephone, the customer’s query is manually logged. At the end of each two-hour shift, papers are collated and at the end of each day, the batch of enquiries is delivered directly to CEO, Dr Dexter James.

James has continually maintained a position of ensuring that the thoughts

QEH hotline awaits your calls

WEEKEND NATION EXTRA. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2010.

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46TH ANNIVERSARY THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL (QEH) is currently celebrating the 25th anniversary of the HIV/AIDS Diagnostic Laboratory, which has been the Central Testing Laboratory for HIV/AIDS in Barbados since 1985.

The laboratory first started with one person trained to test for HIV using very basic technology. Today, there is the use of technologically advanced analysers and a staff of ten highly qualified, trained technologists. Barbados can boast of having established the first HIV/AIDS Testing Laboratory in the English Caribbean region. The laboratory was established in May 1985, by Dr Delores Lewis, Consultant Medical Microbiologist and Head of the HIV Diagnostics.

Dr Lewis also heads the Pathology Laboratory of the QEH. At that time, tests were done primarily on patients who presented to the hospital with clinical signs and symptoms of HIV/AIDS, and those making blood donations to the hospital. This was expanded in November 1985, when testing kits became available worldwide. Tests were extended to all individuals, and the Ministry of Health, deemed that these tests would be free to all Barbadians.

QEH celebrates 25 years of HIV testing in Barbados

One in 100 In March 1985, Dr Lewis was asked by the then Head of Pathology, Dr Harold White, to embark on a four-week Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) course sponsored training at the Centre of Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The course was offering training in HIV/AIDS testing, approximately seven months before the HIV AIDS test kits became available on the market.

Dr Lewis admitted that initially, she was apprehensive, as not much was known about the HIV virus at that time, and it was simply known as the “Killer Virus.” There was also no known treatment available in those early days.

Her courage to venture into “unknown waters” was due to her years of having worked with infectious agents and her knowledge of how to handle such agents. Dr Lewis was the only Caribbean person among a class of over 100 investigators from around the world attending this training. She was privileged to train on all available HIV test kits, ELISA testing, as well as how to perform the confirmatory western blot test. On completion, she requested test kits from the CDC, and transported them to Barbados.

She smiles as she relates when asked by an immigration officer at the airport what was in her suitcase, and she replied, HIV/AIDS testing kits, that she was quickly whisked through Immigration.

Due to the early hysteria and fear of this disease and the handling of specimens, tests were done only by Dr Lewis. Gradually, she was able to interest the technical staff into receiving training.

It all began when she was asked by the Ministry of Labour to test 1 500 Barbadian farm workers who were preparing to work in Canada. Dr Lewis realised it was impossible to test this number of persons alone, and meet the ministry’s required deadline.

She asked one of the more experienced technologist to assist, and recalled it took a while to convince this individual there was no harm in handling specimens suspicious of HIV. When the technologist came on board, others followed.

DR DELORES LEWIS, consultant medical microbiologist and head of the HIV Diagnostics. (RC)

for testing persons from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), who were seeking immigration status to the United States (US). However, this was discontinued by the US government last January.

The laboratory is also the only one of its kind in the Caribbean region, which uses an antigen-antibody 4th generation test for testing not only its blood supply but all persons requesting tests at the QEH. Dr Lewis has kept up-to-date with the latest technology in HIV/AIDS and has also kept the laboratory well equipped with up-to-date technology. In the early days of antibody tests for HIV/AIDS, persons who were HIV positive could only be detected within six weeks to three months of infection. Today, HIV/Positive persons are detected within ten to 15 days of infection.

First case From its beginning, the laboratory participated in The first laboratory confirmed case of HIV/AIDS in external quality control proficiency testing to ensure the Barbados was detected by Dr Lewis in June 1985, and reliability and accuracy of its results. It can boast of confirmed by the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre in having a 100 percent rating in accuracy from all its Trinidad.

The HIV/AIDS Laboratory now tests approximately 35 external proficiency testing programmes.

Seven years ago, the laboratory introduced HIV Rapid 000 specimens per year, and is responsible for ensuring Testing in an effort to accommodate pregnant women, that all blood donations are free from HIV and other infectious agents. To date, the island has never recorded whose HIV status was unknown at the time of delivery.

This has assisted significantly in keeping the mother to any cases of HIV transmission from blood transfusion.

For the past 25 years, the laboratory was responsible child HIV transmission rates at a minimum, since early

treatment could be instituted without delay, until tests are confirmed the following day.

Excellent test While the Rapid Test is an excellent test to use when a quick result (30-minute test) is required, it is an antibody test and is unable to detect early infections.

However, it can play an important role in voluntary counselling and testing in the community.

Since the first laboratory diagnosed case in 1985 of HIV/AIDS in Barbados, surveillance data on the number of persons infected with HIV/AIDS in Barbados is provided on a regular basis to the Ministry of Health.

The laboratory will soon acquire state-of-the-art equipment, including an analyser which will allow for the testing of all infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS from a single blood donor sample. This will enhance the laboratory’s ability to respond to emergencies when blood or blood products are required.

The QEH salutes Dr Lewis and her technical staff for their outstanding contribution during the past 25 years.

Congratulations are especially extended to technologists, Ken Clarke and Esther Broome-Webster, who have been with the programme from its genesis, and to Juliana Applewhaite and Donna Alleyne for 23 years’ service.

12.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2010. WEEKEND NATION

46TH ANNIVERSARY A Prayer for The Queen Elizabeth Hospital

by CANON NOEL A. BURKE ALMIGHTY AND EVERLASTING GOD, you have brought healing and strength to the human race and in your Son Jesus Christ gave us the power and ability to heal. Bless, we pray, with your continual grace and presence The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, have mercy on all who are sick, and comfort those who watch and wait over their sick loved ones.

Give wisdom and insight to those who are charged with the responsibility of making decisions for the hospital, especially the chairman and members of the Board.

Grant your ever present grace to the chief executive officer, the executive officers, senior staff and all persons in the various departments and offices, that your Holy Spirit may lead and guide them as they provide the environment that leads to the good health of our nation and region.

Give them the assurance that even in difficult circumstances your joy and peace will be their constant companions and that with patience, gentleness and understanding they will meet the needs of the public.

These things we ask, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Sincerest thanks to all “THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT, executive management and staff of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) express sincerest gratitude for the countless acts of generosity which contribute tremendously to the work that we do.

With your support, we are able to achieve that much more for our patients.

The increased awareness for the needs of the Hospital and the subsequent benevolence from both the public and private sector has led to a

need for the setting up of a QEH Trust.

The New Year promises to bring together the network of individuals and groups, facilitating an even greater potential to positively impact our primary concern – the patient.”

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital ... “Getting Better Together” Check out our new website www.qehconnect.com

We Congratulate

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital on their

46

th

Anniversary

Warrens, St. Michael. Tel: 417-7777 www.simpson-motors.com

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