Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, recently demonstrated his dedication to advancing healthcare education and improving the quality of healthcare professionals by leading the donation of essential equipment to nursing students at the Division of Health Science Nursing Education Department at Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC).
Recognizing the significance of maintaining high standards in healthcare education, the CFBC Division of Health Science, in collaboration with the St. Kitts-Nevis Student Nurses Association, sought donations to enhance the services available to students in the Nursing Education Department. Ms. Marshalette Smith, the Academic Advisor at the time and now serving as the Dean of the Division, requested support to secure financing and acquire new equipment for effective training.
Prime Minister Drew, driven by his passion for advancing healthcare and ensuring alignment with international standards, took quick action. He facilitated the acquisition of a new Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training kit and Intravenous (IV) Training Arms for the Nursing Education Department at CFBC. During the equipment handover ceremony on October 2, 2023, Prime Minister Drew emphasized the significance of these resources, stating, “I came here to present simulation equipment so that our nursing students can learn effectively and meet international standards in patient revival, vein finding, and drip system setup. This training is crucial to producing quality nurses and improving our healthcare delivery.”
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the college, Dean Marshalette Smith stated, “At Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College, all nursing students actively learn basic life support, and CPR equipment is vital for that. We are truly thankful to Prime Minister Drew and his office for donating CPR mannequins and an IV cannulation system for our students. It is essential for our students to practice at international standards, recognize signs of life deterioration, and intervene accordingly.”
Dr. Drew’s commitment to healthcare education extended beyond the equipment donation. During the ceremony, he actively engaged with the students, demonstrating his profound dedication to the healthcare sector by illustrating the use of the equipment and testing their knowledge and skills.
The donated equipment will also benefit students in other programs offered at the Division, such as the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and Elderly Care certificate courses. This multifaceted contribution underscores Prime Minister Drew’s commitment to raising the quality of healthcare education and improving healthcare services in Saint Kitts and Nevis.