JAN - MARCH 2022
THE
INTERVIEW
STORY ON PAGE 7
SIX HOSPITAL STAFF CERTIFIED MANUAL HANDLING Welcome to the January - March edition of the Turks and Caicos Islands Newsletter. The publication features stories from across the health care organization. A new edition is published at the end of every quarter.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Over 300 RTCPF Receives Live saver training Manual Handling Certification TCI Hospital extends condolences to HIS Administrator TCI Hospital Celebrates International Women’s Day Canada High Commission visits TCI Hospital IHC Launches Patient Safety week TCI Hospital participates in school career day across the TCI
ARE YOU VACCINATED ? Get vaccinated against COVID-19 today.
COVID-19 vaccines are provided free to all residents from the Government Primary Health Care Clinics and all private medical facilities.
MEMORIAL HIGHLIGHTS PAGE 4
TCI HOSPITAL MOURNS DEATH OF ADMINISTRATOR TRAVIS PARKER InterHealth Canada - Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is saddened by the death of our Health Information System (HIS) Administrator Mr Travis Parker, who died on the evening of March 15th, 2022.
Mr Parker joined the TCI Hospital team on February 22nd, 2022, as a permanent team member at the Cockburn Town Medical Centre. A memorial was held in honour at the Cockburn Town Medical Centre.
To honour the life of colleague and friend Travis Parker who died on the evening of March 15th, 2022, InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital held a small memorial service at the Cockburn Town Memorial Centre and virtually at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre on Thursday, March 24th, 2022. The brief program saw remarks from Chief Executive Officer Dr Denise BraithwaiteTennant, IMT Manager Ryan Smith, Site Manager for the Cockburn Town Medical Centre Nurse Carol Reid, and Pastor Terry Tannis of the Antioch Seventh-day Adventist Church- Grand Turk. The memorial service, moderated by Deputy Site Director Nurse Michael Williams, also saw Travis’ sister Ruthanna Williams and mother, Ms. Ruth Parker sharing fond memories of their loved one. The service ended with a prayer for the family and the InterHealth Canada TCI Hospital Team by Pastor Terry Tannis. May his soul Rest In Peace
"The past two years have tested our mettle, but the organisation and staff have
rallied
into
achievements The TCI Hospital joins the world to celebrate safe care! To support the year-round efforts of our healthcare providers, professionals, support teams, and consumers, we are setting aside time to highlight important patient and
safetyissues,
help
combined
with
the
spread
awareness,
re-commitment
community
efforts
of
during
PatientSafety Awareness Week. Patient
Safety
Week
is
celebrated
to
increase awareness about patient safety among health professionals, patients, and families. In addition, it is an event intended to encourage everyone to learn more about health care safety. Therefore, we observe
examples
in
of
2022,
with
great
safety
and
stellar
effective
infection
prevention control and risk mitigation programs that keep persons safe. The TCI
Hospital
remains
committed
to
building partnerships to promote safety and looks forward to strengthening its patient and family engagement", says Isha Honoree - Quality Risk and Patient Safety Manager. The
Leadership
booth
display
competition highlights are seen below, featuring
presentations
on
reduction,
pressure
reduction,
ulcer
falls
deep vein thrombosis prevention, and safety culture.
the theme, “We are Kinder, Better, Stronger, Safer, More Reliable… Together".
MORE HIGHLIGHTS - PAGE 5-6
Tootsie Roll Team- Safety Program- Pressure Ulcer Prevention- Members-Mikette Been, Deniese White, Ivis Taylor, Carol Robinson, Janet Green, and Valerie Outten PRIZE:- Team Diner at Gracebay Club- Infiniti Restaurant
Memorial Service Continue from Page 2
The InterView
PATIENT SAFETY WEEK 22
The Training and Development Department of the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital has facilitated a week-long train the trainer manual handling program in conjunction with Jan Crawford, Manual Handling Practitioner of Centaur, the United Kingdom, to develop an awareness of the risks associated with manual handling as well as provide insight on how to reduce the likelihood of injuries. The programme covered theory and practical elements, including best-practice guidance on hoisting techniques, sit-to-stand technique, bed techniques, object handling, and instances when a detailed risk assessment is required. The departments represented included facilities management, information technology, human resources, physiotherapy, nursing, and physicians.
Commenting on the train the trainer certification, General Practitioner Dr Royelle Robinson said, "Prevention is always better than cure! Unfortunately, we tend to take for granted the support that our back provides and the immense weight that it carries as we move throughout our day. Becoming a manual handling trainer has placed me in a position to help my colleagues and patients prevent unnecessary injuries and provide appropriate care to patients/clients and objects. I'm happy to be a member of the team".
"It was well structured, engaging and interactive that offered an environment to hone our skills to better train our staff compliment - Physiotherapist Tarah Silvera
Vielka Fulford of the Facilities Management said she is excited to use her newly learnt skills both in the workplace and at home, "As a relatively new member of the team, I was honoured to participate. The course was very challenging, informative and thorough. For me, it outlined the vital link between our knowledge, our actions in the workplace to ensure safety for all, and our ability to safeguard ourselves from short- and long-term injury by following best practices". Meanwhile, Physiotherapist Tarah Silvera explained that the course exceeded her expectations, "It was well structured, engaging and interactive that offered an environment to hone our skills to better train our staff compliment. Jan is an expert in her field and addressed our concerns no matter how small. With our small dynamic group, we were also able to work on our team approach skills to provide the best care for our patients. Overall great experience".
Training and Development Manager Vernessa Forbes, while congratulating the team and acknowledging their hard work, said she is excited about the knowledge sharing to come, "The TCI Hospital cultivates a learning environment, and training and development remain a strategic priority. In addition, our innovative talent management programs continue to strengthen our teams, ensuring high performance at all levels confidently delivering service excellence and people-centred care".
By: Dr Vancelee Forbes Consultant Internist Nephrologist
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located below the diaphragm on either side of the lumbar spine. The kidneys form a part of the urinary tract which also includes the ureters, urinary bladder and urethra. The vast majority of individuals are born with two kidneys. About 0.1% of individuals are born with one functioning kidney. The kidneys are vital and complex organs that perform several key functions. They clean the blood, removing toxins from the body. They regulate the balance of fluid in the body by modulating the volume and concentration of the urine. They maintain normal levels of electrolytes and minerals such as potassium, calcium and phosphate. They maintain acid-base balance. They play a role in maintaining normal blood pressure. They help to maintain normal haemoglobin levels (red blood counts) and they help to maintain healthy bones. CKD is kidney damage that has been present for 3 or more months. There are 5 stages of CKD. Stage 1 is the earliest and mildest stage and stage 5 is the most advanced stage. CKD can progress to kidney failure, also known as end stage kidney disease. Persons with CKD stages 4 and 5 are at greatest risk of progressing to kidney failure. Kidney failure ensues when the kidneys are no longer able perform its vital functions.
The most common risk factors for CKD and kidney failure are obesity, older age, having a first degree relative with kidney failure, chronic use of non-steroidal antiinflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and diclofenac, smoking and various chronic medical illnesses that increase the risk of kidney damage. Medical conditions include diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, liver disease, lupus, HIV and some cancers. The most common causes of CKD and kidney failure are diabetes and hypertension(high blood pressure). These conditions if uncontrolled lead to direct damage to the kidneys as well as damage to the blood vessels that supply the kidneys with vital nutrients. Other common causes include lupus, recurrent kidney infections (pyelonephritis), blockage to the normal flow of urine (obstruction) due to an enlarged prostate or kidney stones for examples, HIV, failure of organs such as the heart or liver, inherited disorders such as adult polycystic kidney disease and medications such as NSAIDs and some anti-acid drugs eg omeprazole.
THE INTERVIEW
TCI HOSPITAL ACTIVE IN SCHOOL'S CAREER DAY InterHealth Canada TCI Hospital recently attended Career Day Activities around the Country to help students gain valuable insight into the many careers in health care! According to TCI Hospital’s Human Resource Manager, Lorenzo Seymour, “By having such a fantastic opportunity to connect with our team, students now have a clear understanding of the many options they have in healthcare. Our main objective is to bring awareness to these careers to increase the talent pipeline for years to come.” Both clinical and administrative staff of the TCI Hospital shared their experiences with students, answered questions about their work, and gave insight into their professional journey.
CANADA HIGH COMMISSION PAYS COURTESY CALL ON SENIOR MANAGEMENT
InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, welcomed Canada’s High Commissioner H.E. Emina Tudakovic and Senior Trade Commissioner Ms Sophie Goulet to the Cheshire Hall Medical Facility. The meeting with the Senior Management Team members was an opportunity to discuss the accessibility to health care in the Turks and Caicos Islands for both Canadian visitors and residents in the Turks and Caicos Islands and foster opportunities for training and education initiatives. The visit concluded with a TCI Hospital site tour led by CEO Dr Denise Braithwaite- Tennant and Chief of Medical Service, Dr Dawn Perry-Ewing. Also attending the meeting were General Manager Martin Dawtry, Chief of Clinical Services Mikette Been and Public Relations and Marketing Manager of the TCI Hospital Takara Bain. Both Commissioner H.E. Emina Tudakovic and Senior Trade Commissioner Ms Sophie Goulet are responsible for Canadians living in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands.
THE INTERVIEW
TCI HOSPITAL OBSERVES WORLD KIDNEY DAY
YOUR KIDNEYS MATTER CONT.
How to prevent Kidney Disease Follow a healthy diet Exercise regularly Drink copious amounts of water (at least 8 cups daily for most individuals) Maintain a normal body weight If you have chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes or lupus ensure good control of these conditions and have regular follow-up visits with your doctor
If you are at risk of developing CKD and kidney failure, monitor your kidney function at least yearly Avoid unnecessary use of pain medication such as ibuprofen and diclofenac; and anti-acid medication such as omeprazole and other ‘azoles’ known as proton pump inhibitors
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY CONFERENCE InterHealth Canada -Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Women's Day- A holistic approach. The virtual experience took place on March 8th and featured presentations from Dr Dawn PerryEwing,
who
Health,
Dr
presented Anya
on
Malcolm
General spoke
Women's
about
the
importance of prioritizing Mental Health, Amanda Shulba addressed Physical Health, Diandra Mills spoke
on
Financial
Health
and
Dr
Barbara
Ambrister presenting on Spiritual Health. Chief Executive Officer for the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, and Facilities Management's Operations Director, Karen Bartholomew, brought remarks.
THE INTERVIEW
COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITY Holds First Meeting
The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital Community Advisory Committee (CAC) recently convened its first meeting for the year under the theme 'Rise up and take your position'. The meeting was held virtually due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and continuing restrictions. With a 95 per cent attendance rate, the CAC members received a presentation on the hospital's 2022-2024 Communications plan that featured a detailed overview of future activities and opportunities for communications internally and externally. Presented by Public Relations and Marketing Manager Takara Bain, the CAC members were given an insight into the community outreach initiatives scheduled for 2022. “The CAC’s main objective is to ensure that the needs of the TCI communities are served by the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital and it was critical to share our communication activities for the next three years for not only members' support but to also receive feedback and hear some of their ideas and expectations”, said Public Relations and Marketing Manager Takara Bain. CPA and Author Drexwell Seymour who was the key featured speaker presented his newest book, which was aligned with the theme 'Rise up and take your position'. Mr Seymour presented the use of prayer to maintain peace, belief in knowing that God is faithful, and the importance of self-evaluation.
CAC MEETING CONT. In commenting on the meeting Mr Seymour said “It was a pleasure to be a presenter at the CAC first meeting for 2022. I was specifically invited to talk about my book Rise Up and Take Your Position. The feedback was overwhelming and I am so delighted that I was chosen to be a presenter where I can encourage others to step up to their calling”. Facilitator and Chief Executive Officer of InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant said, "We were excited to start the year off in such a special way with our CAC members hearing from CPA and Author Drexwell Seymour with words of motivation and upliftment. Our members had the opportunity to share what resonated with them and how the book is insightful and can be referenced to all real-life situations. We have an amazing group of CAC members, and InterHealth Canada TCI Hospital looks forward to a stronger collaboration with them as they continue to be the community's voice". The CAC is an advisory body comprise of ten (10) community representatives who are not affiliated with InterHealth Canada – Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital. The members include Keno Forbes, Alfonso Palatino, Rochelle Thompson, Sonia K Williams, Stacy Cox, Mary Simmons, Jerome Caley, Pastor Alces Dor, Rosemary Jolly, and Candido Moreno. In addition, the Chief Executive Officer and the Public Relations and Marketing Manager sit as ex-officio hospital members to enhance all CAC activities.
GET VACCINATED TODAY The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital would like to use this opportunity to encourage residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 if they have not already done so and if they have received a second dose of the vaccine more than three months ago, to get boosted. A fourth dose is available for those at high risk and who have received the booster dose more than six months previously. COVID-19 vaccines are provided free of cost to all residents of the TCI at all Government Primary Health Care Clinics and all private medical facilities. Vaccines are also available for children from 5 years and older. Please get in touch with your health care provider to get your shot.
ARE YOU VACCINATED ? Get vaccinated against COVID-19 today.
COVID-19 vaccines are provided free to all residents from the Government Primary Health Care Clinics and all private medical facilities.