“The addition of these two ambulances to the Ministry’s Emergency Medical Services will enable us to strengthen the important service of transporting patients to, and transferring patients between institutions,” said Minister of Health, Marcella Liburd shortly after receiving the keys from St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas.
“And, during this period our Emergency Services are often inundated with calls for assistance. The new ambulances will therefore significantly complement our fleet,” she said at the ceremony held outside the EMS section of the Joseph N. France General Hospital.
She said that Emergency Medical Specialists, often talk about the ‘golden hour,’ referring to that vital time period where victims of accidents or trauma can be stabilised by trained emergency staff before they are given specialized medical attention.
“The availability of modern ambulances (like the two being handed over today) equipped with the latest medical aid and technology will, no doubt, enable our EMS staff to get to accident scenes quicker and to treat the victims more effectively and efficiently. These ambulances are therefore critical to the improved delivery of care in St. Kitts and Nevis,” said Minister Liburd, who is also Minister with responsibility for Social Services, Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs.
She thanked Taiwan’s Resident Ambassador to St. Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency Miguel Tsao and noted that over the years the Ministry of Health has benefitted immensely from the technical cooperation of the Taiwan Government, whether it is in training of healthcare professionals, the donation of equipment or through the financing of specific projects.
“This handing over is yet another manifestation of how both of our Governments have been working together in finding solutions to the challenges that confront our Health System on a daily basis and of the strong bonds that have developed over time between the Government and people of The Republic of China on Taiwan and the Government and people of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis,” said Minister Liburd, who on receiving the keys from Prime Minister Douglas handed them over to Medical Chief of staff, Dr. Cameron Wilkinson.
She also had some words of advice for the ambulance drivers and health institution vehicles.
“To our own drivers here at the Joseph N France General Hospital and at our other Health Institutions I say today your fleet has been upgraded and enhanced with two of the most modern well equipped ambulances. Please cherish them and drive them with due care and attention,” said Minister Liburd.