The Owen King EU Hospital and the Respiratory Hospital (formerly Victoria Hospital) recently held appreciation ceremonies to celebrate the hard work done by the staff during the year since the transition.

Minister for Health and Wellness Sen. Hon. Mary Isaac recounts the emotional day last year when the Victoria Hospital transitioned operations to the Owen King EU Hospital.

“Doctors and nurses, firemen and women, police and all hospital workers, well-coordinated and got on the move and staying on task till the end. With the departure of each ambulance load, staff waited with bitter grief praying for a safe delivery to other hospital and return for more patients. At the end of it all, it can be written in our history that the move was well coordinated, flawless and a great success.”

Prime Minister of Saint Lucia Hon. Allen Chastanet expressed heartfelt gratitude to the hardworking staff of the two institutions for remaining committed despite the challenges they continue to be faced with.  

“We did with what we had and this is my real tribute to the doctors and nurses who are here. They knew, nobody had to tell them, tell you that what we were trying to do was impossible. Every single day coming to work and recognizing what was needed and what you had was far away. But yet, you came to work and yet the persons who are here, the patients never knew what you had to go through behind the scenes. That is what gave me strength.”

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Benson Emile said although it is a time to celebrate, it is also a time to focus on the next phase as it relates to the growth of the institutions.

“Let me take this time to congratulate all those who were involved in the process. It was challenging and required extended hours and quite a bit of sacrifice but we can come here today to celebrate our survival and we can come here to commit to framing and developing and forming this institution and the respiratory institution to escalate it to the highest standard, one that delivers care and looks after the well-being of Saint Lucians.”

The first anniversary celebration was held under the theme: “Transition we have: Continued good health and safety we will.”