By Frankenstein
In an era where our public discourse is often dominated by criticism of the nation’s healthcare system, it is only fair that we pause to acknowledge those moments when our public institutions not only meet expectations but exceed them. It is easy to highlight shortcomings when they occur, but it is equally important to celebrate excellence when it is experienced. Having recently undergone a major surgery at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, I believe it is my duty to publicly express my gratitude to a team of healthcare professionals whose compassion, professionalism, and dedication reminded me that, despite its imperfections, Trinidad and Tobago’s public healthcare system remains one of the country’s greatest national assets.
My sincere appreciation goes first to Dr. Fundora, whose leadership inspired confidence from the moment I entered the system, together with Dr. Phillip, the anesthesiologists, all the ENT medical specialists, and the wider multidisciplinary medical team who guided me through diagnosis, surgery and recovery. Their technical competence was evident, but what impressed me even more was their humanity. Medicine is not merely about procedures and prescriptions; it is about reassuring anxious patients, communicating honestly, and making individuals feel that they matter. Throughout my journey, I experienced exactly that.
Equally deserving of recognition are the nurses who form the backbone of every hospital. From the ENT Clinic to the Ophthalmology Ward and later the High Dependency Unit, I encountered nurses whose professionalism was matched only by their kindness. Not once during my stay did I have cause for complaint. Every request was met with patience, every concern answered with empathy, and every interaction reinforced the belief that quality healthcare begins with compassionate caregivers.
Often overlooked are the many support staff whose work quietly keeps hospitals functioning. The patient attendants who transported me between the ward, the radiology department, and the operating theatre did so with remarkable care and dignity. Anyone who has spent time as an inpatient at Mt. Hope understands the challenge posed by uneven floors, long corridors and the physical demands of moving recovering patients safely. Their attention to detail never went unnoticed. Likewise, the nurses’ aides who routinely monitored our vital signs and performed blood glucose testing approached even the most uncomfortable procedures with genuine sensitivity, apologising each time they had to draw blood. Such small acts of kindness leave lasting impressions.
Perhaps what struck me most throughout my stay was the remarkable youthfulness of many of our healthcare professionals. It was encouraging to see student nurses working alongside experienced practitioners, gaining invaluable experience while demonstrating enthusiasm and commitment to patient care. It reminded me that Trinidad and Tobago possesses an extraordinary pipeline of talented young doctors, nurses, therapists and technicians. If we invest properly in them, compensate them fairly, provide safe working conditions and create opportunities for professional growth, there is no reason why, within the next decade, our country cannot emerge as a regional leader in healthcare delivery. We have the human capital. What remains is the political will to nurture and retain it.
None of this is to suggest that our healthcare system is without challenges. Constructive criticism remains necessary if meaningful improvement is to occur. Waiting times for certain diagnostic imaging procedures remain far too long, and in medicine time is often measured not in hours but in lives. Delays in obtaining radiological investigations can postpone diagnosis and treatment, particularly in cancer care where early intervention significantly improves outcomes. Moreover, specialised investigations such as PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans and FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) testing remain unavailable within the public system, forcing many patients to seek prohibitively expensive options abroad or in the private sector. Expanding access to these advanced diagnostic services should become a national healthcare priority.
Infrastructure also deserves urgent attention. Patients should never have to use toilets lacking proper privacy because of broken doors or missing toilet seats. These are not luxuries but basic standards of dignity. Similarly, while many staff work tirelessly to maintain clean wards, greater consistency in housekeeping and environmental hygiene is essential. A clean hospital is not simply about appearances; it is a fundamental component of infection prevention and quality patient care.
There is also a responsibility that falls upon the public. Hospitals operate according to the principles of triage, where those with the most urgent and life-threatening conditions receive treatment first. Patients and their families must understand this reality and approach our healthcare facilities with patience and reasonable expectations. Healthcare workers can only do so much within the constraints of finite resources, and they deserve cooperation rather than hostility.
My experience at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex reaffirmed something that is often forgotten amid public criticism: behind every hospital wall are thousands of men and women who report to work each day with a singular purpose, to care for others. They do so despite staff shortages, resource limitations and immense physical and emotional demands. They deserve not only our scrutiny when things go wrong, but our gratitude when they get it right.
To Dr. Fundora, Dr. Phillip, the ENT team, the anaesthesiologists, the nurses, student nurses, patient attendants, nurses’ aides, housekeeping staff and even the security officers who quietly ensured the safety and order of the wards, thank you. Your professionalism, compassion and dedication made a difficult journey considerably easier.
Healthcare is ultimately measured not only by the buildings we construct or the equipment we purchase but also by the people who stand at the bedside when we are at our most vulnerable. During my stay at Mt. Hope, I encountered many such people. They reminded me that while our healthcare system still has room to grow, its greatest strength has always been, and continues to be, the remarkable individuals who serve within it every single day.
