Statement from PAHO/WHO Trinidad and Tobago
Port of Spain, 23 June 2024 (PAHO) — On 21 June 2024, the Pan American Health Organization, Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) officially submitted the Final Report of its Review Mission to support national health authorities in the investigation of newborn deaths at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Port of Spain General Hospital.
The “Review Mission - Clinical Events - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Port of Spain General Hospital, Trinidad and Tobago - April 2024”, was carried out upon request from the Ministry of Health. The in-country review, conducted during 22 April to 26 April 2024, was led by international experts in infection prevention and control, epidemiology, microbiology and newborn intensive care.
The review team applied a systematic approach, reviewing the multiple processes and procedures that impact the quality of services. The methodology used included on-site visits, discussions with healthcare workers, review and analysis of data, and the utilization of standardized and validated questionnaires to deliver evidence-based recommendations.
Previous to the submission of the Final Report, the team of international experts provided immediate/short-term, medium and long-term recommendations to senior management representatives of the Ministry of Health and the North West Regional Health Authority, on the 26 April 2024.
The Final Report of the mission was provided to the Minister of Health of Trinidad and Tobago on 21 June 2024, including final recommendations. PAHO/WHO remains committed to providing ongoing technical support to the Ministry of Health, as requested, including facilitating the implementation of the recommendations provided.
PAHO/WHO routinely conducts assessments of infection prevention control measures and other aspects of health system delivery to assist its Member States in enhancing overall health services, based on international standards. This continued assistance underscores PAHO/WHO’s dedication to fostering sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
