Nurse practitioners to improve healthcare delivery

Government’s Nurse Practitioner Programme is expected to meet the rising demands the country faces from non-communicable diseases, an ageing population, and the need for more integrated, patient-centred care.

Furthermore, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Kenneth George, says nurse practitioners will provide advanced clinical expertise, promote continuity of care, and work collaboratively with physicians, pharmacists, and other professionals.

He made the comments today while addressing a stakeholder sensitisation meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott, which included educators, medical officers, pharmacists, and nursing leaders.

“The Nurse Practitioner Programme is grounded in global best practice, and is aligned with our national health priorities. The Ministry of Health and Wellness has partnered with Chamberlain University, a well-established academic institution, to provide comprehensive training for 30 nurses in specialised fields — Family Nurse Practitioner, Gerontology, Acute and Primary Care, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing.

“These are postgraduate programmes recognised and supported by the Barbados Nursing Council. This programme officially commenced in October 2024, and is well on its way to graduating its first cohort,” Dr George stated.

He explained that through the collaboration with Chamberlain University, government has embarked on a transformative journey to revolutionise healthcare delivery in Barbados.

The CMO pointed out that the initiative was designed to enhance access to comprehensive care and strengthen the competencies of the nursing workforce, to align with the evolving demands of the healthcare sector.

The objective is to establish a healthcare system that is all-encompassing, well-coordinated and seamlessly integrated to meet the diverse needs of all citizens, he noted.

Dr George added that, globally, nurse practitioners have proven critical in expanding access, improving quality, and reducing the burden on physicians, particularly in managing non-communicable diseases, mental health, and primary care. He disclosed that Nurse Practitioners were providing critical health care in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.

Countries such as Canada, the United States, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Grenada have successfully integrated nurse practitioners into their health systems, Dr George pointed out, adding that Barbados could not afford to lag behind.

“This is not about replacing roles; it is about complementing them. It is about creating a stronger, more resilient health workforce, where every professional operates at the top of their discipline. Your support as educators, preceptors, medical officers, and leaders is critical. We need your partnership to ensure that this initiative succeeds, because success will mean better outcomes for our patients and a more sustainable health system for our nation,” Dr George indicated.

The chief medical officer further encouraged the participants to collaborate across disciplines to ensure the seamless integration of nurse practitioners into the health system; educate and inform their teams and the public about the value and scope of the nurse practitioner’s role; and support policy implementation by providing feedback, mentorship, and advocacy.

(BGIS)