Phase 1
East Wing is completed!
The East Wing is now complete in terms of essential infrastructure. Phase One of construction included the expansion of this wing to feature a new utility area and climate-controlled storage. Additional improvements included a new entrance porch and access ramp for enhanced accessibility, as well as critical structural repairs such as replacing crumbling concrete and damaged soffits.
What is needed now?
01
West Wing starting in Phase II
The West Wing of the clinic (the original building) is gutted and in need of major repairs, from the roof down. This section of the clinic is closest to and faces the beach and is only yards away. Due to its proximity to the road and boats arriving at the beach, this section will serve as the triage and emergency area. As such, this ground-level area will need to be outfitted to handle multiple trauma cases simultaneously and to stabilize patients suffering from a variety of acute medical conditions.
02
Upstairs Addition starting in Phase II
Given the shortage of affordable housing on Staniel Cay, it is imperative to provide accommodations for visiting healthcare professionals such as doctors, medical specialists (e.g., OBGYN), and other specialists (e.g., optometrists, dentists). The plan is to build a new upper level, which will include two apartments for these visiting professionals.
03
Infrastructure
The overall electrical supply to the building needs to be addressed. Plans include installing a backup generator dedicated to the clinic. A standby water and pressure system is also essential. Modern communications will be imperative to support telehealth opportunities and medical communications.
Photo Credit: Joan Mann
04
Other Needs
We are currently focused on the large-scale improvements to the clinic; however, fundraising will be an ongoing process.
In addition to the construction of the new and improved facility, funds will be needed for ongoing maintenance, such as cleaning, yard work, staffing, urgent needs beyond the government’s contributions, and more.
Our vision does not end with the construction and maintenance of the new clinic facility. With sufficient funds, we have other ideas to continue elevating medical access and emergency care in our area. Just imagine: a water ambulance that could carry medics to boats and stabilize patients on-site for transport back to the clinic!
MEDICAL SERVICES PLANS
We envision a modern, well-equipped, and better-staffed medical facility capable of stabilizing trauma cases, boating accidents, heart attacks, strokes, and other emergency and routine medical matters.
Expanded & Well-Stocked Pharmacy & Medical Supplies
Visiting Specialists
OB-GYN | Ophthalmologist Optometrist
Comprehensive Modern
Medical Equipment
Full Time Nurse Practitioner
(or Doctor)!
Dental Chair &
Visiting Dentist
Telehealth Options
Why the Public/Private Partnership?
Although the Bahamas Government typically operates health clinics as public clinics through its Ministry of Health (MOH), Staniel Cay’s unique history and strong spirit of self-reliance have led it to operate St. Luke’s as a semi-private clinic. This model relies on donations from well-meaning individuals as well as contributions from the MOH. In recent years, the MOH has provided nurses, medicines, and equipment to varying degrees.
However, there remains within the community a deep desire to maintain a degree of autonomy at the clinic while relying on the Bahamian government, through its MOH, for major items like staffing, utilities, and supplying most or all of the medications and equipment. This “public/private partnership” is beneficial in numerous ways to Staniel Cay. While the support of the MOH is crucial, retaining some control over the clinic minimizes the chances of a “top-down, one-size-fits-all” approach that may leave gaps between what is delivered and the actual wants and needs of the community. For many tiny island communities, this type of partnership is imperative for continued success, especially for something as vital as medical care.