2 colonoscopes and 2 EGD installed at JNF Hospital, PM Drew pledges to enhance medical services

A significant development has once again taken place at the Joseph N. France General (JNF) Hospital with the installation of 2 colonoscopes and 2 esophagogastroduodenoscopes (EGD). The addition of these equipment shed light on the unwavering commitment of the authorities towards enhancing medical services in the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis.

These items were presented to the management of the JNF Hospital during a brief ceremony which took place on Tuesday, 8^th October, 2024. Not only this, the donation also included an endoscope storage cabinet with UV light sterilisation, 2 endoscope towers and a mechanical endoscope washer, aiming to increase the overall efficiency of the healthcare facility.

The ceremony at JNF Hospital was attended by the Prime Minister, Dr Terrance Drew, Director of the Social Security Board, Christopher Louard; Medical Chief of Staff, Dr. Daveen Wilkin; Director of Health Institutions, ⁠Dr. Jenson Morton; Consultant General Surgeon and Subspecialist in Endoscopy, ⁠Dr. Mark Grant, as well as ⁠staff of the Operating Theatre and many more.

While shedding light on the newly equipment installed at the hospital, PM Terrance Drew noted that it will allow for colon cancer screening, as well as for diagnostic investigation of abdominal pain, rectal and oral bleeding, and other ailments.

Notably, colon cancer is the third highest cause of cancer deaths in St Kitts and Nevis, after prostate and breast. The installation of the new equipment would play a huge role in providing immediate treatment and services to the patients, enhancing the quality of medical care.

As per the details, these pieces of medical equipment were purchased by the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board, through its Corporate Social Responsibility programme, demonstrating their continued commitment to the delivery and advancement of healthcare services in the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis.

And, for the same, the Prime Minister extended gratitude to the Social Security Board for this intervention and reiterated their commitment to elevating the healthcare delivery in St Kitts and Nevis to greater heights.

Moreover, a citizen of St Kitts and Nevis living in the Diaspora with international training in Endoscopy, Dr. Mark Grant stated that the staff members of the hospital will be trained to use these valuable pieces of medical equipment with utmost care and attention.

He added that they want to ensure that they have the appropriate utilization of the equipment. He further continued to say that they are trying to get specific nursing management to address the system around it, leading to better patient outcomes.

“It can’t be like old systems where anybody takes care of it as when anybody takes care of it, it means that no one is taking care.”