Regional health officials and French specialists are working closely with the Ministry of Health to manage the transition to the new hospital.

Officials from the Ministry of Health met with a team of representatives from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the European Union (EU) and health specialists from Martinique, on a two-day visit to explore areas of cooperation as the Government of Saint Lucia moves closer to commissioning the Owen King EU Hospital.

Accompanying the team is Yves Vignau, former Director of CHU Hospitals of Bordeaux, France, who will be working closely with the commissioning team for the EU Hospital. Vignau brings with him a wealth of knowledge, having managed the transitioning of larger hospitals in France.

Minister for Health, Wellness, Human Services and Gender Relations, Hon. Alvina Reynolds, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Prime Minister and Cabinet of Ministers for the assistance.

"We're commissioning a major facility and we're excited. We want to make sure that we do it right. The French and the EU have invested much in the hospital and healthcare, and there exists a very strong bond between Saint Lucia and Martinique. We understand that you have great experience in the field and so we embrace you," Reynolds said.

Liure Garancher, PAHO's Advisor for the French Department of the Americas said PAHO will train staff in the use of modern equipment.

"A team of French specialists visited the EU Hospital to see how they can provide technical support. At Victoria Hospital you have one type of equipment; at the EU Hospital you have something new which we are also using in Martinique. So training may be an area for support where we could receive people from Saint Lucia to train in Martinique."

The PAHO official indicated that after the three-month training period, other areas of cooperation could be identified. With Martinique and Saint Lucia being so close geographically, she anticipates even more exchanges going forward.

Mr. Vignau who will function as a consultant to the EU Hospital commissioning team, toured both the Victoria and Owen King EU hospitals.

"PAHO asked me to help in the opening of the new structure, and I am really excited to work on this project," he said. "What I have seen today is really amazing, and it is an opportunity not only for this island, but also for the World Health Organization in the Caribbean area."

Commissioning Director for the EU Hospital, Dwight Calixte, said that Saint Lucia is actively exploring increased areas of cooperation with the French. There currently exists a draft agreement between the Ministry of Health and the delegation for ICU, A&E and sterilization training.

"As we move toward the opening, it is important for us to ensure the essential processes, personnel, and equipment are in place. There are new areas of functionality at the EU Hospital that did not exist at the previous location. We hope to tap into the experience of the French to provide assistance. So an agreement has been accepted in principle, and they are exploring the possibility of engaging us and ensuring that this happens before the opening of the hospital later this year."

He said that transitioning plans have been progressing well, including that of a public education campaign that details the processes necessary to open the new hospital.

 "It is a very detailed and comprehensive approach as we want to ensure the safety of patients and workers at the new facility," he said.