The accident and emergency (A&E) and x-ray departments as well as the pharmacy will begin operating today (Tuesday) at the EC$42 million Modern Medical and Diagnostic Centre (MMDC) in Georgetown, one day after its official opening.
The MMDC, formerly known as the Modern Medical Complex, officially opened on Monday, 11 years after construction began.
The MMDC administrative services, a department of the hospital services programme, supervised by the Hospital Administrator, the Medical Director and the Senior Nursing Officer of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, commenced work prior to this official opening and will throughout the remainder of this week facilitate the full operationalization of the remaining services,” Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Simone Keizer-Beache said at Monday’s opening.
“This week will allow for the proper infection prevention and control protocol to be applied following today’s opening that allows access to the facility by the general public. The standard operating protocols, including fee structure and patient registration transfers will apply,” she further said.
“And we are not finished. We have future services to add,” Keizer-Beache said at the ceremony, which also heard addresses from Minister of Health, Sen. Luke Browne and Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves.
She said the government intends to add mobile mammography services, add a second site for the Heberprot-P administration for patients with leg ulcers and expand both the range of ambulatory services and our diagnostic service.
The senior health official said that the MMDC is part of the
Georgetown Medical Complex (GMC), which also includes the Georgetown District Clinic and the Georgetown Smart Hospital
The GMC will provide primary and secondary healthcare with a focus on primary and secondary preventative services alongside acute and sub-acute care.
In terms of primary care, the first interaction with the primary healthcare system takes place at the Georgetown Health Clinic, one of 39 that form the backbone of the nation’s community health care services, Keizer-Beache said.
Clients seen at the Georgetown Clinic or at any facility north of Biabou, can be referred to the MMDC for their laboratory investigation as the centre has full biochemistry and haematological laboratory on site and sample collection services for tests not done at the MMDC’s lab.
“They can also have their basic x-rays and ultra sounds done at this facility. They can collect their prescriptions from the pharmacy and receive their physiotherapy in the physiotherapy department.”
Keizer-Beache said that clients requiring further investigation or care for eye conditions, gastro intestinal or bowel conditions, cancer therapy, in terms of chemotherapy in their nine-bed chemotherapy unit, and haemodialysis in the nine-bed dialysis unit, will also be able to access that care at the MMDC.
Other special out-patient care includes internal medicine, general surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, including family planning services, foot care, urological care and nutrition services.
Keizer-Beache said that ambulatory surgical procedures such as the removal of lumps and bumps, cataract surgery and endoscopies would be performed at the MMDC.
“Our operating theatre, however, also has the capacity to do major emergency surgery, if necessary, as the operating theatre is supported by a four-bed ICU (intensive care unit) with a surge capacity of six and a four-bed recovery room, also with a surge capacity of six.”
The chief medical officer said that in terms of acute care, the MMDC has a six-bed emergency room with a surge capacity to eight beds for emergency care and treatment only.
“Clients with coughs and colds and old complaints will continue to go to the district clinic. The emergency department is for emergencies previously seen at the Georgetown Smart Hospital.”
She said that patients requiring admission from the Georgetown District Clinic or from the MMDC accident and emergency department will be admitted at the Georgetown Smart Hospital or, if necessary, will be transferred to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Kingstown.
Patients requiring short-term observation after having been seen in the A&E at the MMDC will be accommodated at the four-bed observation area.
Who is going to fund all the Cuban medical personnel who are working there?
What is the estimated annual total cost of running this facility and how will it be met?
Glory to the Most High God! Congrats to all, remarkable facility. Once life spare, looking forward to the Acute referral hospital in Arnos Vale, world bank funded project. Relic, please take your augment elsewhere, no room for negativity. Father God never give us a sprit of fear.
congrats to the citizens and the government leaders ……politics aside this will help people of all parties .
cant deny the accomplishments of this government compare to the NDP that shut down the sugar factory and fraudulent projects decades ago. And yes I am a supporter of ANY party or government that is progressive and positive . That said there is plenty room for improvements and transparency .
alyo can cuss me now concerning the failed and sham projects lol