Between 1998 and 2000, several medical trips were taken to Guyana, which addressed critical healthcare needs, including congenital birth defects and burn care. In 1998, a four-person team performed 16 cleft lip and palate surgeries at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. The following year, a two-person team conducted 12 surgeries at Georgetown Public Hospital, including complex burn treatments. By January 2000, another team managed 25 complex cases and completed 59 additional surgeries. Collaborations with Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and the Ministry of Health highlighted the urgent need for a specialized burn care unit to serve the country’s many fire victims.
In response, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was established to remodel the hospital’s old pharmacy section into a burn care unit. With support from Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital, the project included equipment donations, staff training, and the addition of six active beds, officially opening in November 2022. Reports show a 40% improvement in survival rates for third-degree burns, reduced hospital stays, and enhanced recovery support from social workers. While now fully managed by Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, the unit remains a critical resource, saving lives during catastrophic fire events and advancing burn care treatment in Guyana.
Professional Growth in Healthcare
Our team has collaborated extensively with local hospitals, such as the Mackenzie Health Foundation, to provide specialized nursing training in Guyana, enhancing skills in critical care and patient management. Additionally, we have offered maternity and childbirth training, equipping healthcare providers with essential knowledge to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. We’ve also supported the next generation of professionals through student mentorship programs, including co-op placements and university internships. These initiatives reflect our commitment to fostering education and professional growth in the communities we serve.
Commitment To Community Support and Relief
Caribbean North is dedicated to providing aid and relief to both our local and Caribbean communities, striving to make a meaningful difference wherever help is needed. Our efforts include delivering critical support during natural disasters, such as assisting Dominica in the aftermath of Hurricanes Erika and Maria. Beyond disaster relief, we actively contribute to outreach programs in the Caribbean by supporting after-school activities with donations of soccer equipment, musical instruments, and more. Additionally, we’ve facilitated the donation of eight ambulances, generously provided by the City of Hamilton and York Regional Paramedic Services, to enhance emergency medical services in underserved areas.