Extending the network of health care options for the Virgin Islands
Madam Speaker, the Members of this Honourable House would recall that at the meeting held on May 10, 2012 I provided a progress report on the strides made to establish strategic partnerships as we seek to enhance our local health care system. At that time I spoke on the visit to Puerto Rico and meetings with HIMAHEALTH.
Madam Speaker, today I provide a further update on additional meetings with other health care providers in an effort to extend our network of health care options for the people of the Virgin Islands.
Almost three weeks ago from July 2 to July 7, 2012, Madam Speaker I led a delegation comprised of Territorial At Large Member, Honourable Archibald Christian; Dr. Irad Potter, Chief Medical Officer; Bishop John Cline, Chairman of the BVI Health Services Authority Board; and Dr. June Samuel, Director of Peebles Hospital to Panama and Jamaica. The purpose of the visit was to explore opportunities for trauma care which are not provided at Peebles Hospital.
Madam Speaker, in Panama we met with International Triage LLC, a multinational corporation specialising in the management of emergency and medical cases. Its network of hospitals offers Caribbean patients and insurers a viable option to costly treatment in Miami or other US based hospitals. Among other areas, most cases are concentrated in the following medical categories including Trauma; Burn; Neonatology; Cardiovascular; Neuroscience; Orthopedics; Vascular surgery; Ophthalmology; and Thoracic surgery, that is chest and lung surgery.
Madam Speaker the proposed services offered would be swift, preferred access to patients referred by the Government of the Virgin Islands for treatment within the network facilities operated by International Triage LLC. Furthermore, services would also include prompt claims management; medical cases management; and concierge services for Virgin Islands patients receiving medical treatment by the Network Providers.
I am pleased to report that the delegation met with the administrative and clinical staff of two private hospitals and two public hospitals that are within the network operated by International Triage LLC. Madam Speaker, it must be noted that one of these facilities was a children’s hospital.
All facilities are either United States Joint Commission accredited, or currently using Joint Commission standards. Madam Speaker, the United States Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organisation, which accredits and certifies over 19,000 health care organisations and programmes in the United States. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognised internationally as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards.
Therefore, the facilities managed by the International Triage LLC are modern and well kept, with up to date technology for imaging, micro-invasive surgery, cardiac care and cancer treatment. Generally, the cost of treatment in Panama is considerably lower as compared to similar treatment options offered in Miami. Additionally, International Triage LLC. is seeking to be a preferred third party administrator for overseas care for Virgin Islanders.
Madam Speaker, as it relates to the Jamaican leg of our trip, the Territory recently referred four patients for trauma care to the University of the West Indies Hospital in Jamaica. I am delighted to report that the patients, their families and the staff of Peebles Hospital were extremely pleased with the level of care received. Our delegation was able to tour the facilities and hold discussions with a view of establishing a Memorandum of Understanding between the Virgin Islands and the University of the West Indies Hospital for the transfer of patients.
Our delegation toured several areas of the Hospital, including the Accident and Emergency Department, the Imaging Department, the ICU, the Operating Theatre, and the Nursery. While on tour, we saw the upcoming Hugh Wynter Fertility Management Unit with technology for micro-invasive gynecological and urological surgery; in vitro fertilization; and robotic surgery using the Da Vinci robot. Other developments on stream are a Basic Science Medical Complex and a new nuclear medicine facility.
Madam Speaker, the highlight of the tour was our visit to the Tony Thwaites Wing, a private wing at the Hospital. This institution has the support of professional staff and equipment of the University of the West Indies Hospital, but is operated as a private facility with strong private sector collaboration and funding. Additionally, Madam Speaker we visited St. Andrews Hospital, a small private hospital which provides an option for less complicated trauma and medical cases.
During our visit both the Chief Medical Officer Dr. Irad Potter and I delivered brief presentations on the Virgin Islands health system to the Honourable Minister of Health of Jamaica. Madam Speaker, this visit was seen as an incredible opportunity not only to receive health services from the Jamaican health sector, but also to strengthen regional integration with the Jamaican health system. I can honestly say that our trip was productive and formal agreements for accessing care in Panama and Jamaica are now being considered.
Madam Speaker, I reiterate that providing access to modern, affordable quality health services is the goal of my Ministry of Health and Social Development and this Government. I assure the Members of this Honourable House and the people of the Virgin Islands that all partnerships agreed to, will ensure that the health needs of our population are met and that our health sector is strengthened.
I thank you.
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