Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Health has enlisted a seasoned trio from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to delve into the recent bacterial outbreak rattling the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Port of Spain General Hospital (PoSGH).
The team which arrived on Monday comprises distinguished professionals: Dr. Nalini Singh, esteemed university professor; Dr. Grisel Rodriguez, clinical microbiologist; and Dr. Gillian Birchwood, head of NICU at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Barbados.
In a recent statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry expressed optimism as the team commenced its probe, eagerly awaiting the conclusions.
Securing privacy
The ministry, however, swiftly moved to safeguard the privacy and security of its appointed experts.
Initially, it furnished the CVs of the appointed women along with contact details but promptly followed up with an advisory urging media discretion in divulging personal information, citing potential risks to the team’s safety and privacy during their independent investigation.
Media’s role
Additionally, the ministry implored media outlets to accord the investigative team the requisite space to conduct their inquiries unimpeded.
Meet the experts
Dr. Nalini Singh: Hailing from the George Washington University in Washington DC, USA, Dr. Singh boasts a wealth of experience in paediatrics, global health, and epidemiology.
Her journey through academia and frontline medical roles, including stints at the US Children’s National Health System and collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), underscores her prowess in infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.
Dr. Grisel Rodriguez: Based in Uruguay and serving as head of microbiology at the Centro de Asistencia Medica Soriano, Dr. Rodriguez brings to the table a master’s degree in infection control and extensive experience in clinical microbiology.
Recognized for her contributions, she clinched a prestigious PAHO award for innovation in respiratory infection prevention and control.
Dr. Gillian Birchwood: With a robust background spanning across the Caribbean and the US, Dr. Birchwood’s expertise in neonatal-perinatal medicine shines through.
Having completed her training at institutions such as the University of the West Indies and the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, she now spearheads the NICU at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to paediatric care.
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