Scotiabank, SCI focused on accessible health services for kids

The SickKids-Caribbean Initiative (SCI), funded in part by Scotiabank, continues to improve access to health services for children in the Caribbean.

With the support of SickKids Foundation, SCI was created in partnership with the SickKids Centre for Global Child Health, the University of the West Indies (UWI), Ministries of Health and key hospitals and institutions in The Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

SCI is aimed at improving the diagnosis and subsequent management of paediatric patients with cancer and blood disorders, as well as providing training and education in the areas of haematology/oncology, nursing, and laboratory services.

With Scotiabank’s support in Phase 1 as the main telemedicine partner, seven telemedicine facilities were completed across the region with Barbados currently benefiting through Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Phase 2 of the initiative, which is set to run until March 31, 2022, saw an additional $1 million (CDN) from Scotiabank.

“We’re pleased that our support for the SCI has enhanced access to critical care for children in the Caribbean with cancer and blood disorders,” indicated Anya Schnoor, Executive Vice President, Caribbean, Central America and Uruguay, Scotiabank.

“Guided by our core purpose – For Every Future, we want to help young people lead fulfilling lives.

The SCI has also increased the capacity of doctors and nurses to provide timely, accurate diagnosis and high-quality follow-up care, helping ensure future paediatric patients can benefit.”

While the COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges, the SCI has made remarkable progress within the past year, to help achieve the completion of:

• 618 case consultations

• 41 nurses, 5 Caribbean paediatricians trained or training in haematology/oncology

• 504 specialised diagnostic tests for patients diagnosed with leukemia

• 116,190 newborn sickle cell disease screening tests

Dr. Cheryl Alexis – paediatric oncologist and lead physician representative for Barbados said: “Being involved with SCI has been a rewarding experience not only benefiting our patients but also the health care providers. We have one common goal: to do our best by our patients. SCI has assisted us in reaching a universal standard of care.

“Most important is the camaraderie between colleagues that has formed a very strong bond and is priceless. Now with the weaning off period we are inspired to work as a team for the betterment of the treatment of the children with cancer and blood disorders.

“We are inspired to do better and there is strength in numbers. The once small numerous peeps are now bound together in a resounding ROAR! Thank you, SCI.”

Suzette Armoogam-Shah – managing director, Scotiabank Barbados underscored the value of the initiative.

“The SCI has made tremendous strides in enhancing the quality, level and availability of care for Caribbean children with cancers and blood disorders.

“There have been several doctors and nurses from across the region, including from here in Barbados who have undergone paediatric haematology/oncology training and even fellowships at SickKids, thereby equipping us with experts to provide more precise diagnoses and greater recovery rates.

Moreover, there is a cohort of 14 of nurses who have participated in the programme, navigating learning in the COVID-19 context and are set to graduate this month.” 

Established in 1972, SickKids Foundation raises funds on behalf of The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and is the largest charitable funder of child health research, learning and care in Canada.

Philanthropy is a critical source of funding for SickKids – one of the world’s foremost paediatric health-care institutions.

Thanks to the generosity of the community, and as a result of a record-breaking year in fundraising, SickKids Foundation generated an unprecedented $190 million for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020.  (PR)