Tobago has recorded its third covid19 death – the first in eight months.
The THA Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development on Monday said the patient, a 62-year-old woman with co-morbidities, died on Sunday. No other information was provided on the deceased.
Newsday understands the woman was admitted to Scarborough General Hospital at the end of April, after complaining of feeling unwell, and was being treated at the Intensive Care Unit.
Health Secretary Tracy Davidson-Celestine on Monday said she was saddened by the loss.
“No one should have to die due to this virus, she said. The staff did all they could, and our hearts go out to the family and loved ones. We will do our best to offer further emotional support at this time.”
Tracy on contract impasse: Only permanent nurses get benefits
Health Secretary Tracy Davidson-Celestine -
THA Secretary of Health, Wellness and Family Development Tracy Davidson-Celestine has defended the issue of contract nurses being on the job for more than one year without benefits like paid sick, vacation and maternity leave, unlike their permanent counterparts. Initially, these nurses were hired by the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) for a short-term period to serve during the pandemic, as additional staff was needed.
Last Thursday, the issue was raised by electoral representative for Parlatuvier/ L’Anse Fourmi/ Speyside Farley Augustine, who reported to members of the media that the matter was brought to his attention by the nurses. Augustine said, “They were told that they would be hired for a probationary period. They’ll be on probation for about six months and during that six months they weren’t entitled to paid sick leave; they weren’t entitled to th
THA health secretary: Forty additional hospital beds coming
Health Secretary Tracy Davidson-Celestine -
Secretary of Health, Wellness and Family Development Tracy Davidson-Celestine has said her division intends to add 40 beds to Tobago’s existing hospital stock to accommodate covid19 patients.
On Friday, the division reported there were 62 active covid19 cases on the island after two additional people tested positive for the virus.
Two patients are currently in the Intensive Care Unit of the Scarborough General Hospital.
Addressing the division’s virtual health briefing on Friday, Davidson-Celestine said the addition of the 40 beds, to be housed in a secured facility, will be a temporary measure.
Tobago at 65% hospital bed capacity
Health Secretary Tracy Davidson-Celestine -
THA Secretary of Health, Wellness and Family Development Tracy Davidson-Celestine has called for the public to co-operate with the policies and the protocols in light of increasing covid19 numbers in Tobago.
In its Tuesday update, the division said there were ten new covid19 cases on the island. The release said active covid19 cases had increased to 53 while deaths remained at two.
In a WhatsApp voice note on Tuesday, Davidson-Celestine said 53 is the largest number ever recorded on the island.
“I think it’s important for people to understand that we have 53 active covid19 cases on the island and rapidly increasing numbers daily. This represents the largest number of positive active covid19 cases recorded in Tobago in any one cycle and this would eventually, if it continues, put a strain on all of our systems.”
Roxborough Health Facility to be handed over Saturday
Friday 30 April 2021
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, centre, tours the Roxborough Health Facility with Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis, Health Secretary Tracy Davidson-Celestine and other officials at its commissioning in January. PHOTO COURTESY THA -
The Roxborough Health Facility is ready and will be handed over to the THA Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development on Saturday.
Health Secretary Tracy Davidson-Celestine revealed this on Wednesday at the weekly post-Executive Council news conference.
She said: “I would want to report to each and everyone of you that the Roxborough Health Facility, that is the physical infrastructure, is ready to be handed over to the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development.”