The InterView January to March 2026

THE INTERVIEW

JANUARY - MARCH 2026

HIGHLIGHTS ON PAGE 13

TCI Hospital's Heart Strong TCI Campaign Enhances Heart Health Awareness Across the Islands

Welcome to the Janaury to March edition of the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital's Newsletter The publication features stories from across the healthcare organization

Patient Safety Week Activities Promote Collaboration in Patient Safety Goals STORY ON PAGE 2 & 3

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Patient Safety Awareness Week Activities Promote Collaboration in “Moving The Needle” House Call Radio Show Launches Dynamic Digital Video Format

Human Resources Team Promote Health Care Professions at Enid Capron Primary School Career Day

Quarter 4 Employees of the Quarter

TCI Hospital Observes World Kidney Day with Community Screening

Heart Strong TCI Campaign a Success

Red Fridays Promote Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Management

“Give to Gain” International Women’s Day 2026

TCI Hospital attends Pelican Energy Science Fair

How Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital is Transforming Patient Care Through Global Best Practices

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS HOSPITAL CELEBRATES PATIENT SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH:

“TEAM

UP FOR PATIENT SAFETY”

In recognition of Patient Safety Awareness Week, observed March 8–14, 2026, the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, operated by InterHealth Canada Ltd, proudly joined healthcare partners worldwide in advancing this year’s theme, “Team Up for Patient Safety” The 2026 campaign emphasized the critical role of teamwork and reinforced the importance of collaboration among patients, families, care teams, and leadership in creating safer healthcare environments

While globally observed as a week-long initiative, the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital extended its activities throughout the entire month of March, underscoring that patient safety requires sustained commitment, continuous learning, and shared accountability

A Month of Learning, Engagement, and Collaboration

Throughout March, the hospital hosted a series of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) sessions aimed at strengthening competencies and reinforcing a culture of safety across all levels of care These included:

Patient Safety – Your Role, empowering individuals to recognize and act on their impact on safety outcomes

Effective Communication Strategies, focusing on delivering safe care through structured, reliable communication

TeamSTEPPS – Reinforcement and Expansion, strengthening the use of evidence-based teamwork tools to enhance care delivery

Grand Rounds sessions further supported clinical excellence and knowledge translation, featuring: Rescue Ready 2025: Translating AHA PALS Updates into Practice

Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Roadmap for Caribbean Countries

Beyond the Algorithm: Applying the latest American heart Association BLS & ACLS Guidance in Emergency Practice

To promote engagement and learning in an interactive format, a Patient Safety Trivia Event was also hosted The event featured five dynamic rounds covering patient safety principles, general knowledge, and a TCI knowledge lightning round, with prizes awarded to the top five participants In addition, we welcomed Grade 4 students to our Hospital Teddy Bear Clinic, which served as an innovative extension of our patient safety efforts

This initiative allowed children to role-play as caregivers by bringing their teddy bears for “treatment,” helping them understand basic healthcare processes such as first aid, hand hygiene, communication, and safe care practices

By introducing these concepts early, the clinic not only reduces fear associated with healthcare settings but also promotes awareness of patient safety behaviours in a simple, memorable way

Reaffirming a Shared Commitment

A defining moment of the month was the symbolic passing of the Patient Safety Baton, reinforcing the collective responsibility for safe care:

“Patient safety is not one person’s responsibility It is a commitment we share across teams, departments, organizations, and nations; and it is upheld in partnership with every patient and family we serve”

Advancing the 2026 Patient Safety Objectives

Aligned with the global theme, the hospital’s initiatives focused on four strategic priorities:

Promote Collaboration: Encouraging active participation from all members of the care team, including patients and families

Enhance Communication: Strengthening open dialogue to improve understanding of care plans and safety protocols

Recognize Achievements: Celebrating progress while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement Engage Communities: Inspiring broader discussions on patient safety, equity, and quality in healthcare delivery

Acknowledgements

The Board of Directors and Executive Leadership of the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital extend sincere appreciation to all who participated in the month’s activities and contributed to the success and sustainability of this important initiative

Special thanks are extended to our dedicated healthcare teams for their unwavering commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care; our video and production team for effectively amplifying key messages; our valued healthcare partners for their collaboration and support; and the leadership of the Turks and Caicos Islands, including Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, the Honourable Premier, Charles Washington Misick and the Honourable Minister of Health, Kyle Knowles for their continued guidance and commitment to advancing patient safety nationally

Building a Culture That Lasts “Patient safety is not a solo effort, it is a collective commitment that defines the integrity of our healthcare system,” said Isha Honoré, Quality, Risk, Patient Safety and Management Lead at the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital “Our responsibility is to design and sustain environments where teams are supported, patients are heard, and risks are proactively managed Through sustained engagement beyond this month, we are advancing a culture of high reliability, where safety is consistently delivered, measured, and continuously improved”

Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, Chief Executive Officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment, noting that patient safety remains central to the hospital’s mission and strategic direction “Patient safety is at the heart of everything we do This year’s theme, ‘Team Up for Patient Safety,’ reinforces a simple but powerful truth safe care is achieved when we work together At the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, we are committed to fostering a culture where collaboration, communication, and accountability guide every interaction I am proud of our teams for their dedication throughout this month and beyond, as we continue to strengthen systems, empower our staff and patients, and deliver care that is consistently safe, reliable, and of high quality”

The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital remains dedicated to fostering a culture where safety is prioritized, communication is strengthened, and every voice, staff, patient, and family is valued Healthcare professionals, community partners, patients, and families are encouraged to continue supporting patient safety by speaking up, staying informed, and working collaboratively to improve care outcomes

House Call Radio Show Launches Dynamic Digital Video Format

House Call Radio Show is thrilled to announce its transition to a digital video format, offering an engaging and visually dynamic experience for its audience Now dubbed House Call Talk Show, this evolution enhances the connection between viewers and the compelling stories shared, providing a more immersive platform for dialogue

The new format opens avenues for healthcare professionals and patients to engage in meaningful discussions on critical topics such as heart health and cancer awareness, fostering a more interactive environment.

A significant feature of this transformation is the amplified platform for patient voices. The show celebrates personal narratives, allowing individuals like Jarcel Astwood, a cancer survivor, to share their inspiring journeys and motivate others.

This quarter, six House Call episodes have been produced, covering a range of topics including weight management, holistic health, mental health and stress management, cancer screening and awareness, heart health, kidney health and oral health.

The inaugural video episode, "Creating a Vision Board for Health in 2026" marked a successful venture into the digital realm. Broadcast live on Facebook, it featured guests Robin Hinds and Huntley Forbes Jr., who detailed their personal weight loss journeys, alongside Dr. Merle Clarke, who offered valuable health tips for the new year.

Following this, Episode 9, "Mastering Stress Management and Mental Health," was hosted by Human Resources Manager Lorenzo Seymour. The episode featured Psychologist Tonya Greaves from the Department of Behavioural Health Services and Damian Wilson, who candidly shared his experiences overcoming mental health challenges related to grief.

House Call Talk Show continues to pioneer in delivering impactful health stories and discussions, now with the added vibrancy of digital video, ensuring a richer and more informative experience for all.

HUMAN RESOURCES TEAM PROMOTE

HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONS AT ENID

CAPRON PRIMARY SCHOOL CAREER DAY

On Friday, February 6, our Human Resources team, lead by Human Resources Manager, Lorenzo Seymour participated in Career Day at Enid Capron Primary School, engaging with students about career pathways, workplace skills, and the value of education in shaping future opportunities

The team also engaged the students in CPR demonstrations, igniting an early interest in learning the life saving skill

The day was filled with enthusiasm and curiosity, as students eagerly explored the various possibilities the future holds This interactive dialogue not only informed but also encouraged students to consider their interests and how they might align with a career in health care.

The success of the Career Day event was evident in the students’ excitement and the thoughtful questions they posed. It was a reminder of the critical role education and mentorship play in empowering young minds.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to nurturing the next generation of health care professionals, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and inspiration needed to thrive.

EMPLOYEES OF THE QUARTER

We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our Employees of the Quarter for the period of October to December 2025 Your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed Your commitment to excellence truly reflects the core values of our mission at TCI Hospital

CLINICAL SERVICES

“We

TCI Hospital Observes World Kidney Day with Health Screenings

TCI Hospital observed World Kidney Day with a twoday screening initiative on Providenciales and Grand Turk, lead by the Haemodialysis Unit in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the TCI Kidney Foundation Booth visitors were screened for blood pressure, blood glucose assessing their risk of Chronic Kidney Disease Attendees also received educational materials about kidney health, emphasizing the importance of early detection and preventive measures. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the risk factors associated with kidney disease, such as hypertension and diabetes, and to encourage the community to adopt healthier lifestyles

Medical professionals were on hand to answer questions and provide personalized advice, ensuring that visitors left with a better understanding of how to maintain kidney health The event also featured interactive sessions and demonstrations on healthy eating, hydration, and the role of regular exercise in preventing kidney-related issues.

Overall, the event was well-received, with many participants expressing gratitude for the valuable insights and support provided by the dedicated healthcare team. By engaging the community and fostering a proactive approach to health, TCI Hospital hopes to make a lasting impact on kidney disease prevention in the region

TCI Hospital launched the Heart Strong TCI campaign to enhance awareness and prevention of heart disease in the Turks and Caicos Islands, coinciding with February's global Heart Month The initiative featured key activities such as;

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Series

TCI Hospital held educational sessions for about 140 health professionals Topics included digital tools for heart disease management and evolving strategies for heart disease treatment. Participants included hospital staff, the TCI Ministry of Health, and other regional health organizations.

House Call Talk Show

A special Heart Month episode discussed heart disease risk factors and prevention, featuring experts like Dr. Evelyn Castellanos and Mrs. Janet Green, Dietician. Dr. Abimbola Afolabi of Family Choice Services also appeared on the show to share his experience of surviving a heart attack

Red Fridays Awareness Campaign

Hospital staff wore red every Friday to raise heart disease awareness and encourage discussions on heart health and lifestyle choices

Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run

In partnership with the Rotary Club of Providenciales, TCI Hospital organized a 5K walk/run to promote physical activity and offered blood pressure screenings and health education

Digital Health Education Campaign

Heart health messages were shared on social media, focusing on diet, exercise, and preventive care

Heart Strong TCI aims to maintain a year-round commitment to heart health CEO Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant emphasized the importance of ongoing awareness and prevention, urging individuals to know their health numbers and maintain healthy lifestyles The campaign underscores collaboration between stakeholders to make progress in heart health across the Islands.

Red

Fridays Promote Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Management for Heart Strong TCI Campaign

AspartoftheHeartStrongTCICampaign,employeesworeredeveryFridaytoraiseawarenessaboutcardiovasculardiseaseandemphasisetheimportanceof screeningsformaintaininghearthealth Thisinitiativesparkedmeaningfulconversationsamongstaffandpatientsalike,garneringstrongsupportfromthe teamforthecampaign'sgoals

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2026

WOMEN’S DAY 2026

March 8th was celebrated globally as International Women’s Day.

The Board of InterHealth Canada and TCI Hospital Senior Management expressed their sincere gratitude to all the women serving within our hospital and the broader Turks and Caicos Islands community The 2026 global theme, “Give to Gain,” emphasised that supporting women through investment, time, and advocacy creates a more equitable, "multiplied" world.

In recognition of their invaluable contributions, women in each department received fruit baskets from the CEO and Senior Management Team CEO, Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant also used IWD as an opportunity to highlight the importance of women’s heart health and the necessity to address the disparity in diagnosing heart disease in women due to irregular symptoms She urged for more awareness and improved healthcare practices that truly cater to women’s unique needs, encouraging everyone to play a part in advocating for change

Pelican Energy Science Fair 2026

TCI Hospital was proud to support the Pelican Energy Science Fair held on March 5th at the Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Complex As an exhibitor, the organisation highlighted a few of its primary clinical departments to raise awareness among students and the public about their functions Representatives from the Rehabilitation, Laboratory, and Medical Device Processing departments were present, alongside Emergency Physician Dr Victoria Edwards and Education and Training Manager, Ms Vernessa Forbes who provided exhibit visitors with valuable insights into lesser known healthcare roles

The event created an engaging platform for attendees to interact with healthcare professionals and explore potential career paths in the medical field Students were particularly captivated by the hands-on demonstrations and informative sessions, which offered a glimpse into the daily operations and innovative practices within the hospital

From Vision to Excellence: How Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital is Transforming Patient Care Through Global Best Practices

The Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital is proud to be recognized by the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario as a Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) a prestigious international designation that reflects our commitment to excellence in patient care

The BPSO program is a global initiative led by RNAO, that brings together healthcare and academic organisations dedicated to implementing and evaluating evidence-based best practice guidelines

What began in Ontario, Canada, has now grown into a worldwide movement, with BPSO-designated organisations across Spain, Australia, Belgium, Chile, Colombia, China, Jamaica, South Africa, the United States, and beyond This dynamic partnership is focused on one goal: improving patient outcomes through the consistent use of evidence-based care

Our journey began on February 21, 2021, when TCI Hospital joined the BPSO program After a rigorous four-year candidacy period, we proudly achieved BPSO Designation on May 28, 2025 Today, we are excited to continue this journey, having entered our second biannual contract with RNAO as a designated organization

Driving Change Through Evidence-Based Practice

At the heart of our BPSO work is the implementation of internationally recognized Best Practice Guidelines (BPGs), including:

Assessment and Management of Pressure Injuries

Preventing Falls and Reducing Injury from Falls Person- and Family-Centred Care (PFCC)

These guidelines are not just policies they are actively shaping how care is delivered every day at TCI Hospital

To ensure meaningful impact, we have established robust systems to monitor, evaluate, and continuously improve patient care outcomes. Through our partnership with RNAO, we contribute data to the Nursing Quality Indicators for Reporting and Evaluation (NQuIRE®) database. This allows us to track structural, process, and clinical outcomes across all nursing areas Data is collected and submitted quarterly, enabling us to identify opportunities for improvement and implement targeted quality initiatives that enhance both patient outcomes and staff satisfaction

Building a Culture of Excellence

Achieving BPSO designation is more than a milestone, it represents a cultural transformation At TCI Hospital, we are embedding evidence-based practice into the very fabric of nursing care, fostering a culture where excellence is the standard and innovation is encouraged

Our success is driven by a passionate and dedicated team of healthcare professionals who continue to champion best practices and lead meaningful change across the organization.

As shared by the Chief of Clinical Services Miss Mikette Been:

“We are proud of our commitment to evidence-based practice and grateful for the many staff members across the organization who supported the uptake of best practice guidelines to ensure our patients receive the very best care We look forward to continuing our partnership with RNAO as a BPSO designate”

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum

As we move forward, we remain focused on sustaining and expanding our BPSO initiatives We are pleased to anticipate an upcoming site visit in early April by Dr Michelle Rey, which will support our ongoing designation requirements and provide valuable opportunities for growth and collaboration

In preparation, our teams are actively strengthening program readiness, advancing implementation strategies, and continuing the dissemination of our work through scholarly efforts, including the submission of our manuscript to the MedUNAB Journal.

Teddy Bear Clinic Teddy Bear Clinic

The Training and Education department held its third annual Teddy Bear Clinic on March 20, 2026. This program, aimed at children in grades one through four, teaches about the body in a supportive setting

Students from the International School learned about health, hygiene, and medical professions through presentations by TCI Hospital clinicians Each child brought a stuffed animal to serve as their "patient," engaging in activities like bandaging, CPR, and giving check-ups. This hands-on experience helps reduce fear of medical settings and encourage interest in healthcare professions at an early age

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