On Tuesday 22 November 2022, the nursing fraternity was plunged into mourning over the tragic death of Nurse Kezia Wilson.

Nurse Wilson was employed at The Millennium Heights Medical Complex (MHMC) as a Staff Nurse and assigned to the Special Care Baby Unit. She was a vibrant, outspoken, ambitious and talented nurse with an infectious smile and had a passion for her profession. Her untimely death has not only affected the nursing fraternity but also the medical fraternity and the support and administrative staff of MHMC. We mourn her loss together with her family, and especially her daughter, whom she constantly spoke so fondly of.

Saint Lucia is now facing a dire shortage of nurses, and losing one nurse, especially under these circumstances, is one too many. However, our nurses are resilient and continue to provide care to the general public despite. On behalf of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, I extend heart felt and sincere condolences to the nurses of the special care unit of MHMC, to the nursing, medical, support and administrative staff of the MHMC. 

Sincere condolences to the Class of 2014 of the Department of Nursing at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and to the entire family and friends of Nurse Wilson.

Psychological support is being provided to all. Debriefing sessions commenced on Tuesday and is ongoing for the staff of MHMC. One on one counselling sessions will be provided for persons who require more in-depth intervention.

A virtual vigil led by St Lucia Nurses Association in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the General Nursing Council will be held on Friday 25 at 7pm.

The Ministry of Health will continue to assess the situation and provide any additional psychological support required to assist nurses with coping with this situation. Psychological support will also be extended to the immediate family members. I also encourage the general public to be very supportive, understanding and sensitive as they access care at the varying health facilities during this time.

Nurses, I encourage you to be vigilant, stay focused and be very supportive to each other during this period of grief.