QEH: Bold $24M overhaul ‘to transform healthcare delivery’

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has unveiled a sweeping $24 million, strategic plan to revolutionise healthcare, promising state-of-the-art facilities, enhanced patient care, and significant energy savings by 2025. 

The ambitious, two-word initiative, announced Tuesday, includes the refurbishment of all 24 wards in the 60-year-old, 600-bed public general hospital, expanded surgical capacity, renewable energy systems, and a cutting-edge clinical waste management system.

Neil Clark, the QEH’s chief executive officer, described the initiative as transformative. “We’re not just upgrading facilities; we’re transforming the way healthcare is delivered in Barbados. This isn’t just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about building something better,” he told journalists at a QEH press briefing.  

The hospital has also prioritised public engagement, scheduling a town hall meeting tomorrow at 6 p.m. in its auditorium to gather feedback. “This is the hospital of Barbados; it belongs to the people of Barbados,” Clark emphasised. “It’s really important that we share what our plans are for the next three years and hear what their views are.”  

A critical component is the refurbishment of all 24 hospital wards, with three to four wards to be upgraded annually over the next few years. Each ward will undergo significant enhancements, including the installation of medical gas lines at every bed, upgraded fire alarm systems, and optimised layouts to improve patient care and staff efficiency.  

Philip King, acting Director of Engineering, provided details on the refurbishment process. “A ward, once everything is moving very efficiently, can be refurbished in three to four months,” he said. “At current costs, each ward would be about a million dollars. Our aim is to bring all wards to the standard of Ward B8.”  

The acting director also highlighted efforts to replace outdated materials and infrastructure. “A lot of the current countertops in here are wood, which is porous. We want to get non-porous materials like stainless steel for all our counters. And the infrastructure, the plumbing… the hospital is 60 years old,” he said.  

Clark underscored the focus on efficiency rather than expanding capacity. “The aim is not to add more beds but to ensure that patients get in, receive care, and get out as efficiently as possible. We want to make sure that when patients hit those beds, they are getting the diagnostics and treatment they need immediately,” he said.  

As part of its upgrades, the QEH plans to increase surgical theatre capacity by refurbishing the Lions Eye Care Centre roof and theatre. The expansion is expected to add three additional theatres, helping to reduce surgical wait times and address the growing demand for advanced procedures. “This is part of a broader strategy to improve surgical outcomes and patient experiences,” Clark added.  

The hospital’s ageing incinerator, in operation for more than six years, will be replaced with a state-of-the-art clinical waste management system. The CEO described the project as critical for both the QEH and the island. “When we say the incinerator, it’s not just an incinerator; it’s actually a waste management solution. It’s the clinical waste management for the island,” he said.  

King outlined the need for the upgrade. “We are replacing the old incinerator, which has been in life now for the last five, six, seven years,” he said. The new system will incorporate advanced emissions controls and increased capacity to meet international environmental standards.  

The QEH is also taking strides toward sustainability with the installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. King elaborated on its impact. “We are working on a 500-kilowatt PV system funded by the Ministry of Energy, and this should save us approximately $30 000 per month on electricity bills,” he said.  

Additional energy-efficient measures include LED lighting, variable-speed motors, and new air conditioning systems. King explained: “We also have the energy-efficient fixtures, and so that has already started. I can say about 90 per cent of the light fixtures and air conditioners we have in the hospital right now are energy-efficient fixtures. Also, we’re looking to implement pumps and motors, which are variable speed, which will reduce the energy usage in the hospital and lower our light bill.”  

At present, the QEH spends close to $700 000 per month on electricity to service the over 500-bed facility.  

Clark praised these efforts as a necessary step toward a greener and more resilient future. “This isn’t just about saving money—it’s about creating a greener, more resilient hospital for the future,” he said.  

The Accident & Emergency (A&E) Department, one of the hospital’s busiest areas, is also a priority for upgrades. The improvements will focus on redesigning layouts to reduce congestion, enhancing patient flow, and increasing staffing levels.  

Clark emphasised the need for these changes: “The A&E Department is one of the busiest areas of the hospital, and these upgrades will ensure that patients requiring urgent attention are seen promptly.”  

Director of nursing services Henderson Pinder outlined the role of staff development in the department’s transformation. “We’ve looked at improving the number of staff that we have to offer these services,” he said. “We’re also looking at the ones that we have, looking at professional development and teaching and training to enhance the quality of care that they provide.”  

The QEH’s Strategic Plan 2023–2025 aims to set a new standard, positioning the hospital as a leader in regional healthcare innovation.  

“This isn’t just about upgrading facilities—it’s about delivering healthcare in a way that is efficient, compassionate, and aligned with the needs of our community,” Clark said. “This is the future of healthcare in Barbados.”