Rahael to bring in

Rahael made this comment in response to questions about the Cuban personnel at the National Radiotherapy Centre, St James.

He said, “We are trying to get new nurses from Cuba to replace them, they are not willing to send back the same nurses.” Rahael said under the arrangement with the Cuban government the nurses were to spend two years and a maximum of three years after which they have to return home.

He said the nurses came at different times so not all of their contracts were ended. (Approximately 37 doctors and 45 nurses have been working in TT). Rahael said the health ministry in Cuba was approached about keeping some of the specialised nurses but this attempt was not successful. The first batch of Cuban doctors and nurses arrived in TT in 2003.

“It’s their policy and it goes for every country in the world that they send health care providers.”

Asked about a shortage of nurses following the departure of the Cubans, Rahael said there was a shortage of nurses overall.

He said more than 1,200 nurses were in training and by September another batch would have completed the course.

Asked about methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) at the San Fernando General Hospital, he said three patients warded at the hospital have been diagnosed with MRSA, a bacteria found on the skin and nose of healthy people but is common at hospitals.

Rahael said the Medical Chief of Staff Dr Austin Trinidade has advised him that there is no cause for alarm.

Responding to another question, Rahael said an education and promotion campaign is being prepared to increase the number of blood donors in TT.

He said the blood bank will be relocated to make it user-friendly. Rahael said, “We have to educate our citizens that giving blood is not taboo, it should be something they are willing to do. It does not affect you.”