The InterView: April - June 2022

MRI ARRIVES SAFELY

THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS MOST POWERFUL MRI ARRIVES SAFELY

The much anticipated delivery of the InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital's new GE SIGNA™ 15T MagneticResonanceImaging(MRI)machinecompleteda successful transfer from overseas to its new home at the CheshireHallMedicalCentreonWednesday,June29,2022

Under a cloudless, beautiful sky and welcoming sunny weather, the GE SIGNA™ 15T MRI was skillfully and expertly lifted into the air using a massive crane onto a conveyor belt that allowed the unit with some manpower to glide into the MRI plant room And Just like that, a new era of precision medicine is set to begin at the Cheshire Hall MedicalCentre

"Having access to technology like the GE SIGNA™ 1.5T is fantasticnews ThisMRIreplacementproject,inparticular, will significantly and positively impact families in our communities that need access without unnecessary wait times ButasagrowingCountry,continuedinvestmentsin health care are also critical for doing everything possible to ensure our residents receive the care they need close to home, resulting in better health outcomes overall As the Minister of Health, I will continue to be committed to protecting and improving the quality and safety of health care services in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This MRI replacement project has been a long time planning, and I am very much delighted to see that it is on Island and will be operational soon Congratulations to the project team",statedMinisterofHealthandHumanServices Hon JamellRobinson

The GE SIGNA™ 15T MRI's arrival marks a significant milestone in the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, and it demonstrates a commitment to excellence, and people centred care, while developing more seamless and integratedhealthservicesfortheTurksandCaicosIslands Community, explained the CEO of the Turks and Caicos IslandsHospital,DrDeniseBraithwaite Tennant

TheinstallationofanewMRIandCT scanisacapitalprojectsponsoredby theTurksandCaicosIslands GovernmentandInterHealthCanada

Tennant,CEO

LEADERSHIPSERIESASUCCESS

HIGHLIGHTS

InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands have launched its leadership development series focusing on unlocking resilience and encouraging excellence amongst teams

The leadership series was launched under the theme ‘exceeding expectations’ and for the first time has featured John Maxwell Coaches: Sheba Wilson, Armando Rigby, Melanie Smith and Tiersa Hall presenting on the various strategies meant to foster engagement, tools for personal and professional growth and design to re energize leadership to advance effective talent management, excellent outcomes and the overall successof the 2021 2024 strategic plan.

Leadership Excellence is indispensable for a successful hospital, according to Dr Denise Braithwaite Tennant, the Chief Executive Officer for the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital.

“Leadership development is a journey and hence this provides the launch pad for our Leadership Masterclass framework that will continue to advance leadership excellence. Ongoing Leadership development is important for achieving the best outcomes from the strategic goals we have developed in our Strategic Plan 2021 2024 Exceeding Expectations. I believe that strong leaders are essential for growth and success, and it is imperative we take intentional steps to facilitate the necessary leadership development that shall propel us towards the culture of excellence, safety, high performance and overall great care” says CEO Braithwaite Tennant.

"It is important that we continuously develop our leaders at all levels within the hospital. This involves our current leaders and developing leaders for the future"

FOLLOW OUR SOSIAL MEDIA

The leadership series commenced on April 29th with the Senior Management Team, followed by the Managers and concluded on June 30th with the Supervisors and Emerging/Rising leaders with Businessman and CEO of the Hartling Group Stan Hartling, Mentor and Leader Darron Hillaire and Author, Mentor & Speaker Leonardo Lightbourne as keynote speakers

SupervisorsandEmergingLeadersatLeadershipRetreat June30th,2022

VISITING US SOON?

A little preparation can save you a lot of time to get the most out of your appointment with your General Practitioner First, think about what you want to get from your visit For example, do you want to talk about new symptoms, or do you need a new prescription? Next, make some notes about specific symptoms you are experiencing It would help your Doctor if you recorded when they occurred, how long they lasted and what you were doing right before you felt them.

Think about your medical history and any illnesses in the family. Family medical history can significantly impact your current health and wellbeing. Compile a list of familial health conditions for your Doctor to see. Certain conditions may be genetic, requiring specific preventative health measures or screenings to be taken with your care. If possible, talk with family members, such as mothers or fathers, about their health history and any medical incidences they’ve struggled with Knowing any familial medical issues can aid you in maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout the years ahead

Walk with medications being taken It is similarly essential, to be honest with your Doctor about which medications you’re on and why you’re on them, as it plays a significant role in your healthcare Don’t be afraid to explain hesitancies, and don’t be scared to ask your Doctor questions In addition, talk about any side effects or concerns surrounding any medications you’re on or recommended

Children need to be accompanied by an adult It may also be wise for elderly persons or anyone who is deemed to have challenges with memory or understanding to be accompanied by a caregiver with these capabilities.

Remember to be on time for your appointment and check in with your Identification and National Health Insurance cards at our admission counter. Our friendly reception and security teams will assist you if you are visiting us for the first time.

"It would help your Doctor if you recorded when they occurred, how long they lasted and what you were doing right before you felt them".

DrAntrieveBenjamin GeneralPractitioner (CTMC)

"I am absolutely delighted to see our brand new GE SIGNA™ 15T MRI Scanner delivered to its new home at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre this week. This GE SIGNA™ 1.5T (MRI) is the first of its kind with artificial intelligence enabled features in the Caribbean. The installation of a new MRI and CT scan is a capital project sponsored by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and InterHealth Canada. Overall, the GE SIGNA™ 1.5T MRI Scanner is designed to increase efficiency, improve productivity, maximize our diagnostic potential, and keep the patient experience at the forefront

GE has utilized their over forty years of experience in Magnetic Resonance innovation to develop a system with an ingeniously simple, environmentally friendly design and future ready capability This is excellent news for our patients and the diagnostic imaging team using the new equipment with its advanced technology.

I want to say a huge thank you to our patients and colleagues for their patience during the project " , said CEO Dr Braithwaite Tennant

NEWHOME FORMRI ....CONT.

"The next stage of the project will run over the next four weeks and will be focused on restoring the infrastructure, installation of the unit and training for all categories of staff. The MRI shall complete onsite quality and safety checks before service implementation. Once these key pieces of the project plan are completed, it's anticipated that MRI exams for patients will begin on schedule in early August. Our aim is to make each patient's experience a more pleasant one," stated Pheona Brown Watson, Project Manager.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital have embarked upon an ambitious three year strategic plan under the theme "Exceeding Expectations". This plan focuses on excellence, sustainability and people centred services Our partnership with the Turks and Caicos Government is a key enabler in the plan's success, with the foundation being our shared vision of excellence in health care for the people of the TCI.

Experts from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Subregional Programme and University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Nursing recently carried out a site visit to assess the Associate Nursing Programme in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The on site assessment included meetings with key stakeholders such as the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) facilities and academic authorities, faculty and nursing students

The team also met with the Council of Nursing and Midwifery and national health authorities, including The Honourable Jamell Robinson, Minister of Health and Human Services and Honourable Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Labour, Employment and Customer Services.

The PAHO representative also visited the practicum locations at the Cockburn Town Medical Centre and the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where a hospital overview and nursing excellence at the TCI Hospital were presented by Chief of Clinical Services Mikette Been.

Coming out of the visit, strategic changes were suggested by the team to transform and upgrade the current associate degree curriculum to a bachelor's degree programme in the short and middle term.

MeetingwithPAHORepresentative TCIHospital and TCICommunityCollege

L REleanorHall ChiefofAlliedServices,SurbrenaPedican InfectionControl Manager andJollyKurien NurseManager

PAHORepresentative

Leadership Series Highlights

Leadership Series Highlights

Following an extensive three week orientation with InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, seven Associate Degree in Nursing students enrolled at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) have begun their Clinical Rotation experience at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre on Providenciales. The students will apply theory learned in the classroom to practice in various clinical settings and graduate with many hours of hands on experience.

Settings for the clinical rotation experiences are spread throughout the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre offering students the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in areas in the Out patient Department, The Emergency Department and the General ward on 8 hours shifts. Portions of the Clinical Rotation programme will be done at tertiary care facilities overseas

We welcome the nursing students and are happy to play a critical role in helping them to develop quality nursing skills through our accredited teaching program From clinical experience, the students will garner the necessary attributes of caring, critical thinking skills, application of situational knowledge, competence and clinical skills they need in their careers as future nurses”, Acting CEO and Chief of Clinical Services Mikette Been

"The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital have signed an Affiliation Agreement with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Ministry of Education in 2014".

“Clinical experience is a critical aspect of the Nursing Education programme at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College. It transforms theoretical knowledge into practice and is the cornerstone of nursing as a health profession. This is the final phase of the medical program for our students who have completed three years of study locally. They will now get the hands on approaches while working with the medical team providing patient care and treatment under expert guidance Also an opportunity for the students to discover various fields of medicine and nursing specializations”, explained the Interim President of the TCICC, Mrs Clara Gardiner

TCIHospital's

TCIHospital's th

TCI HOSPITAL and MATH LAB

Partners on STEM Education

Highlightson

Children are naturally curious, and providing opportunities to develop that curiosity and other skills are an integral part of educational programs today. InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists, technologists, doctors, nurses, and engineers with programs that provide hands on experience

Through its STEM for SUCCESS Foundation, the TCI Math Lab has focused on critical areas science, technology, engineering, and math; an essential way to engage students in fun and meaningful ways while helping them develop 21st Century Skills. The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital aims to assist in bolstering stem education by providing real world applications and exploring how the sciences can lead to many areas in health and medicine

On Monday, May 30th, 2022, at the STEM for SUCCESS Foundation's 1st Annual Science Expo, TCI Hospital's Emergency Medicine Specialist, Dr Devon Grant, spoke to over forty youngsters on the importance of healthy choices to protect the heart and along with Dr Raven Saunders, Dr Eric Griggs of New Orleans and Dr Alexis Missick demonstrated and presented on the various heart functions, phlebotomy and administering medication and nutrients directly into veins. Also in attendance were Mrs Romaine Missick Smith, CEO of the Health Regulatory Authority and Dr Denise Braithwaite Tennant, CEO of InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, who brought remarks and participated in the skills stations.

"Our goal has always been to mentor and foster youngsters interested in a future career in medicine We have displayed this through our Ready and Clinical Observation programmes It is a pleasure to sponsor this important foundation, and we look forward to future events. I congratulate Mr LeKensay Missick, founder of The Math Lab and President of STEM for SUCCESS Foundation, for hosting its 1st Annual Science Expo and the event's success," said CEO Dr Denise Braithwaite Tennant.

"Our organisation is committed to educating and exposing our students to the world of STEM, and this program, like all others, aims to do just that. We believe that it is important for our students, especially those in underserved communities, to have the opportunity to access programs that can tremendously change the trajectory of their lives. We believe that we can be very successful in accomplishing our mission of increasing educational outcomes, college readiness, and employability skills in our youth", said LeKensay Missick, founder of The Math Lab, and President of STEM for SUCCESS Foundation.

TCIHOSPITALATTENDSA.LOUISE GARLAND THOMAS HIGH SCHOOLANNUALCAREERDAY

InterHealth Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is proudtohaveparticipatedintheA.LouiseGarland Thomas High School second annual Career and College Awareness Expo under the theme ‘ProactivethinkingforanEvolvingera.’

The grand event took place on Friday 13th May, 2022attheGustarvusLightbourneSportsComplex from 10:00 am 2:00 pm, where the students were introduced to a wide range of opportunities available within the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital,bothclinicalandnon clinicalalike.

The TCI Hospital team included representatives of Physicians, Nurses, Laboratory Technicians, Pharmacy, Medical Devices Reprocessing, Human Resources, Education and Development, Public Relations and Facilities Management which includesEngineeringandHospitality.

DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING TEAM TRAINED

InterHealth Canada The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is replacing its 12 year old MRI machine with a state of the art GE SIGNA™ 1.5 tesla technology. The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is the first hospital in the region to receive an MRI machine with GE’s installation of artificial intelligence, which allows the Imaging department to stay at the forefront of imagingtechnology while continuing to offer patients a wide variety of MRI scans.

So far, The Diagnostic Imaging team have completed training from GE, which was more of a reinforcement of knowledge in using the equipment and its various software applications Through a virtual and theoretical approach, the team received a review of MRI safety recommendations that the American College of Radiology developed and the various restricted access zones in the MRI environment

In addition, the teams analysed the differences between MR personnel and non MR personnel and the differences in safety screenings for patients and non patients, MR appropriate attire and medical emergencies in the MR suite. Certificates were given upon completion.

Radiologist Dr Barry Taylor has been certified in MR Safety MRMD (MRI Medical Doctor), and Imaging Department Manager Sandra Burgess is a certified MRSO (MRI Safety Officer) This certification focused on many aspects relating to the safety practices of the MRI environment, including Basic MRI Physics Relevant to MRI Safety, Static Field: Bioeffects and

Access Control, Gradient Magnetic Fields: Bioeffects and Safety, Radio Frequency Field: Bioeffects and Safety, Gadolinium Based MR Contrast Agents, MR Safety Screening, Managing Emergent Situations and Patient Considerations: Quench and Patient Anxiety & Patient Monitoring

The biomedical engineering team are also completing the MRI Safety course, with all Hospital staff to follow.

“We are fortunate to have a hospital community that supports staying up to date with the latest technology.Patients won’t find a better MRI than what will be installed here at The TCI Hospital.When it comes to our patients, we strive for nothing short of excellence for every patient, every visit! Ensuring we have state of the art equipment is only part of the job but having the best people to run our equipment is just as important Our Imaging Technologists are qualified, each holding additional certifications in the imaging field They are some of the best you’ll find, and we are fortunate to have them all. With their skills, each of these techs is greatly valued,” said Sandra Burgess Imaging Manager.

SandraBurgess ImagingManager

The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital announce its annual educational summer Ready and Clinic Observership programmes scheduled to run in July 2022. Both programmes intend to raise awareness of healthcare careers and to help improve local capacity in the long term.

The Ready observership program offers third form high schools, both public and private students, a behind the scenes look and in depth knowledge about professions in health care delivered over five days. The program commences on Monday, July 11th to July 15th, 2022, with health care workers' feature practical and theory presentations.

The Clinic Exploration program targets students pursuing healthcare related courses at a tertiary level institution and ordinarily resides in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The 10 day program, from July 18th to July 29th, 2022, comprises onsite sessions that include a skills lab on phlebotomy, suturing, vital signs, manual handling, applying splints, and Heart Saver and Basic Life Support training. A 20 minute presentation is required for participants after the programme

Our summer programme offers youngsters a great opportunity to gain meaningful experience in a Hospital setting", said Acting Chief of Medical Services Dr. Sani Amatti

"An opportunity to explore career opportunities in health and medicine. Participants will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. They will engage with physicians and other healthcare associates from various medical disciplines within the organisation while learning about the everyday aspects of their speciality areas", added Dr Amatti.

SUMMER PROGRAMMES LAUNC

Chief Executive Office

Dr Denise Braithwaite Tennant, stated, For the past nine years except for 2020 because of COVID 19, we have always looked forward to hosting a group of talented young people who are interested in the plethora of fields in health and medicine. We want to mentor our young people and motivate them to be innovative, creative, empathetic and caring, think critically, and passionate while elevating their awareness about careers within the hospital. Human capital is the most important asset for healthcare, and a global shortage is further exacerbated by the COVID 19 pandemic

Denise Braithwaite Tennant, added, "During the COVID 19 pandemic, similar to other hospitals, we have faced significant challenges recruiting health care workers, especially nurses. The World Health Organization estimates a projected shortfall of 18 million health workers by 2030, mostly in low and lower middle income countries Therefore, we must continue to intentionally create opportunities for our young people to engage with us and promote careers in health care".

DrDeniseBraithwaiteTennantCEO

DrSaniAmTennant,CEO

SPOTLIGHT EMPLOYEE

Getting to know

Voneric Forbes, Deputy Materials Management Manager

Q.Describeyourday-to-dayroleandwhatyoudoattheTCIHospital.

A. As Inventory Manager, my job is to oversee the department's daily business and operations. This consists of all aspects, from analyzing daily requisitions and deliveriestoevaluatingnewshipments.

Q.WhatisyourfavouriteaspectofworkingattheTCIHospital?

A.InteractingandpickingbrainsfromthewidevarietyofskilledprofessionalsIwork with.

Q.WhatisonyourwishlistforthenexttenyearswiththeTCIHospital?

A.Initiating and ensuring a going green approach to our daily operations through utilizingapaperlesssysteminmydepartmentwithintheHospital.

Q.Whatisthebestpartofyourjobortasks?

A.Iplaypartinhelpingachievethepatient’shealthcareexperience.

Q.Whatdoyouliketodowhenyouaren’tworking?

A.WhenI’mnotworking,Ienjoybeinghomeandplayingwith&raisingmykids Ialsoliketoindulgeinabitoftravelling.

Q.What’safunfactthatmanypeoplemaynotknowaboutyou?

A. Iwassupposedtobeaprofessionalbasketballplayer.

Q.Whatisyourmottoorpersonalmantra?

A.IliketoleavethingsbetterthanImeetit.

Q.Whatisthebestadviceyouhaveeverreceived? A.Workforacause,notapplause.

Q.Whatisthemostimportant/biggestworkgoalyouareworkingtowardsnow?

A. Working on implementing a barcoding system to help improve efficiency, which willallowstafftobemoreproductivewiththeirday.

MID-WIFERY WEEK CELEBRATIONS

InterHealth Canada TCI Hospital joined the rest of the world today observing International Day of the Midwife.

A small ceremony was held simultaneously across both the Cockburn Town Medical Centre and the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre to honor the midwives. The midwifery team also used the opportunity to promote awareness of the crucial care that midwives provide to mothers and their newborns. The event also featured demonstrations on the correct position for mothers when breastfeeding and how to properly place a newborn into a car seat.

There were presentations on danger signs in pregnancy and the benefits of breastfeeding and nutrition in pregnancy.

A team from the TCI Red Cross attended the event and provided mothers and expectant mothers care packages.

TCIHOSPITALSUPPORTS AOLFOUNDATION

The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital Training and Public Relations and Marketing Department visited the island of South Caicos to encourage youthdevelopmentthroughexposureandshare the benefits of dream building, educational achievement, effective communication, cultural enrichment, and personal responsibility at the annual AOL Foundation’s Youth Empowerment 2022Conference

The very engaging session also featured discussions on how to develop listening skills effectively,clearlyexpressingoneself,non verbal communicationandemotionalawareness

According to Vernessa Forbes Education Manager, “It was a very engaging session with theyoungsterswhowereexcitedtolearn Iwant to congratulate Founder Aron Louis on taking charge and making a difference in the communityofSouthCaicos.”

WEEK HIGHLIGHTS