Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) proudly joins the global community in celebrating World Health Day, focusing on the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.”
This year’s theme emphasizes the critical importance of maternal and newborn health, highlighting the hospital’s continuous efforts to ensure every pregnancy and birth leads to a thriving future for both mothers and babies.
Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, Medical Director at SLBMC, underscored the hospital’s dedication to improving maternal and newborn health outcomes, noting the institution’s pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare in Antigua and Barbuda.
“Our mission to enhance maternal and newborn health is a responsibility we take very seriously,” said Dr. Belle-Jarvis. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of our staff, we have made remarkable strides in providing comprehensive, high-quality care. Our investments in advanced medical practices and evidence-based strategies are transforming the lives of families across our community.”
Over the past four years, the hospital has maintained a neonatal mortality rate below the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 12 per 1,000 live births by 2030, achieving its lowest rate to date of 5.3 per 1,000 live births in 2023.
As part of its ongoing commitment to excellence in maternal and newborn care, SLBMC is on the cusp of initiating its Universal Newborn Hearing Screening program, a crucial step in identifying hearing impairments early. Early detection of hearing loss in newborns is essential, as it allows for timely intervention that can significantly improve language development, cognitive skills, and social integration.
By screening every newborn, SLBMC aims to give children the best possible start in life, ensuring they have access to the support and resources needed to thrive.
Beyond newborns, SLBMC remains equally committed to providing ongoing care and support for mothers, recognizing the crucial role they play in the early stages of their children’s lives. The hospital’s comprehensive care model includes continuous support for mothers, empowering them with the knowledge and confidence they need to ensure their own health and well-being alongside their infants’.
Through initiatives like the High-Risk Antenatal Clinic, SLBMC offers specialized care for pregnant women, focusing on the health of both mother and baby. This clinic provides personalized attention to reduce risks during pregnancy and ensure the best possible outcomes for both mothers and their newborns.
“Having zero maternal deaths in 2024 is a remarkable achievement,” said the Medical Director. But it’s the result of countless factors working together, day in and day out. It’s not by chance; it’s the outcome of consistent, quality care, the dedication of our medical team, and a community that prioritizes maternal health. This success reflects the strength of our collective effort—our hospital staff and the broader community—working in unison to ensure the safety and well-being of mothers.”
SLBMC is expanding its capabilities through the introduction of point-of-care ultrasonography, which will significantly enhance the hospital’s ability to provide immediate, on-site diagnostic imaging. This advancement allows for faster, more accurate assessments of maternal and fetal health, enabling healthcare providers to make timely, informed decisions and improve outcomes for both mothers and newborns.
This innovation enhances the hospital’s diagnostic abilities, particularly in maternal and fetal care. Dr. Belle-Jarvis expressed her appreciation for the hospital’s team, saying, “The success we’ve achieved is a testament to the dedication of our entire staff—doctors, nurses, support personnel, and volunteers. It is their commitment to providing the best care that has made all of this possible.”
Thanks to the generous support of donors, SLBMC has further strengthened its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Maternity Department with state-of-the-art equipment.
Dr. Belle-Jarvis added, “We are deeply grateful for the support we’ve received from our donors. Their generosity allows us to continue improving our facilities and providing the highest level of care to the families we serve. As we celebrate World Health Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring healthy beginnings and hopeful futures for all families in Antigua and Barbuda.”
With the continued dedication of the medical staff, the support of the community, and strategic investments in healthcare, SLBMC is setting the standard for maternal and newborn care in Antigua and Barbuda.
For more information about the services offered at SLBMC, visit www.slbmc.com or contact the Marketing & Communications office at info@msjmc.gov.ag or 484-2792/11.