HOSPITAL LEADERSHIP, IN CLOSE COLLABORATION WITH MINISTRY OFFICIALS, ENGAGED IN STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS AIMED AT MOBILIZING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO MANAGE PATIENT CARE
Ministry officials convened in the southern region of the island to address the ongoing challenges at the St. Jude Hospital. In response to the unprecedented surge in Emergency Department (ED) admissions, hospital leadership, in close collaboration with Ministry officials, engaged in strategic discussions aimed at mobilizing a comprehensive plan to manage patient care and alleviate the strain on hospital resources.
Addressing the gravity of the situation, Lydia Attkins, Chief Executive Officer of St. Jude Hospital, described the overwhelming impact of the patient admissions surge on the hospital’s resources and staff, emphasizing the urgent need for a sustainable solution.
“Over the past week, we have seen an unprecedented surge of patients in our emergency department. This has placed significant pressure on the department and our staff. We met with the emergency department team and Ministry officials to document the challenges and, most importantly, to arrive at a sustainable strategy to address these issues, including additional patient beds and staffing,” stated Chief Executive Officer of St. Jude Hospital, Lydia Attkins.
Recognizing the critical challenges faced by St. Jude Hospital, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Belmar-George emphasized the necessity of the Ministry of Health’s proactive, on-site involvement. She further indicated that the Ministry's active presence is crucial not only for accurately assessing the hospital's difficulties but also for devising and implementing effective, targeted solutions to address pressing issues.
“A team from the Ministry of Health has come to meet with the CEO and the clinical team at St. Jude Hospital to get a better understanding of the urgent issues they face, as this may affect patient care. We felt it was necessary to meet in person to develop a concrete plan of action to address the situation,” explained Dr. Belmar- George.
The joint efforts prioritize the sustained delivery of high-quality care while implementing targeted solutions to meet growing resource demands. Dr. Adelaide Moonie, Medical Director of St. Jude Hospital, outlined the hospital’s response strategy to reduce patient waiting times while improving the overall patient experience.
“We understand the challenges this surge in admissions presents to our patients and staff. The implementation of the 'Reduce Patient Waiting Time' strategy is a crucial
step in addressing these issues and ensuring we continue to provide the highest level of care. We are committed to working through this difficult period and appreciate the public's cooperation,” Dr. Moonie, added.
The coordinated response introduced the addition of six more nurses and three new physicians, along with the procurement of 20 new beds and supplementary support from primary care facilities, all aimed at alleviating the overcrowding in the Emergency Department.
St. Jude Hospital urges the public to reserve the Emergency Department for true emergencies and to seek care from primary care providers or wellness centers for non-urgent issues. Despite the current challenges, the hospital remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering safe, timely, and high-quality care to all patients.