Bath Regional Hospital has recorded more than 60,000 patient visits since it began operations following its commissioning a year ago. The facility is now providing several specialised services that were previously unavailable in Region Five.
In an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Medical Superintendent Dr Daniel Robertson described the hospital’s first year as a significant improvement in providing access to healthcare, particularly with the introduction of services such as computed tomography (CT) scanning, urology, intensive care and neonatal intensive care.
Dr Robertson noted that the availability of CT scan services at the hospital has significantly reduced the need for residents to travel to the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital or Georgetown Public Hospital to access diagnostic imaging.
The hospital has also expanded access to specialised care through its urology service, with an in-house urologist now available to residents.
Dr Robertson noted that the establishment of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has further strengthened the hospital’s capacity to manage critically ill patients.
“To date we’ve admitted over 50 patients. These patients would have received a level of care only previously accessible at Georgetown Hospital or at New Amsterdam Hospital,” he explained.
Additionally, the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has also provided specialised care for newborns requiring additional medical attention, reducing the need for patients to be transferred outside the region.
According to the medical superintendent, the facility has also increased the region’s capacity to perform surgical procedures.
While surgeries were previously conducted at Mahaicony Hospital, where there was one functional theatre, Bath Regional Hospital now has three operating theatres.
The community’s response to the hospital has generally been positive. The medical institution has treated more than 60,000 patients through its outpatient, inpatient, and accident and emergency services since opening.
Looking ahead to the hospital’s second year of operation, the medical superintendent said greater emphasis will be placed on strengthening outreach services and bringing healthcare closer to communities across Region Five.
This includes expanding the recently introduced Men’s Health Clinic to communities throughout the region, to encourage men to access preventative and other essential healthcare services.
“With the guidance and assistance of the Ministry of Health and the Regional Democratic Council, we’re looking to extend and improve our outreach services across the region,” Dr Robertson said.
He explained that the approach is intended to make healthcare more accessible by taking services directly into communities, rather than requiring residents to travel to the hospital for every service.