The institution’s primary goal is to alleviate the strain on the existing OKEU Hospital while ensuring top-notch care for a diverse range of patients.
The Secondary Care Hospital is poised to pioneer telemetry services, teleradiology, and tele-laboratory, representing a forward-looking approach to adequate healthcare delivery. The 12-bed facility forms part of the 3-tier health complex that will replace the Victoria Hospital.
Health Minister Hon. Moses Jn. Baptiste says the government will continue embarking on providing universal healthcare to all citizens. He emphasised that the need for action is now.
“We have to provide better quality [healthcare] and reduce financial hardship on those accessing the healthcare. We are continuing to debate how it’s done. But if we debate for decades and do nothing, then [it’s] only academic exercise,” Health Minister Moses Jn. Baptiste expressed.
The Secondary Care Hospital introduces a range of specialized services, including long-term rehabilitative care for patients recovering from strokes and orthopedic injuries, as well as end-of-life palliative care. Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Jenny Daniel emphasised that this diversified approach is a crucial step towards achieving universal health coverage in Saint Lucia.
“This facility will provide services in three significant components of the healthcare sector - the primary healthcare services, the urgent healthcare services, and the secondary healthcare services,” said Ms Daniel.
Dispelling any misconceptions, she clarified that being labeled a Secondary Hospital does not imply subpar care. Instead, it signifies a distinct category of medical services tailored to meet the varied healthcare needs of individuals. The facility is strategically designed to complement the services at the OKEU Hospital, offering additional beds to enhance patient capacity and streamline the flow of cases at the Accident Emergency Department.
One notable feature of the Secondary Care Hospital is the seamless integration of technology into patient services. Patients will enjoy the convenience of ordering food and making requests through the use of tablets, thereby enhancing the overall healthcare experience.