I doubt that "privately donated" funding will be steady enough or long term enough to adequately maintain a E.R. type facility on the island.

It's likely that many of us could find ways to equip the poly clinic with "private" or donated funds / equipment but like I stated previously, the biggest expense is having trained personel on site 24/7.

Without the Belize government's long term financial involvement this will be a difficult task to accomplish for sure.

Here in the US E.R.s are big money losers. They are expensive to operate and have very low collection rates (lots of free care). The reason our hospitals have them is 1) to provide true emergent care to our community 2) the E.R. is the source of as much as 75% of a hospital's admission rate.

Critical care is expensive. The costs will be less there than here in the US but long term, stable funding will be needed.

This goal can and should be accomplished. The island's full / part time residents and tourists numbers are certainly significantly high enough to justify this extra expense to the GOB.

A single central location with a medical transport cart and 24/7 "in house" emergency responders will significantly improve response time and improve survival rates. Local doctors could then rotate being "on call" and present to this location after hours when needed instead of having to open their own doors or present to the scene. One phone # and one phone call could then result in a faster response from the responders. The responders would then assess the patient and consult with the doctor by phone or simply ask the doctor to present to the central location (E.R.). And unlike here, if the "emergency" turns out not to be a "true emergency" then the responders would not be obligated to transport the patient or possibly not even involve the local doctor at that time.

If my help is needed I can be reached at the office M-F 8-5 US central time. I will volunteer my time to teach ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), ATLS (Adult Trauma Life Support), PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) and NALS (Neonatal Advanced Life Support)if needed. I am not an instructor in these coarses but have been certified in all of them.

I may be able to locate some equipment and bring it to AC but I'm confident the equipment would be much cheaper if purchased in Mexico instead of here in the US.

Please call if my assistance is desired.

www.medicalcenterforyou.com
001-601-849-1918
tommy@tecinfo.com


Future full time Belizeans
Tommy & Sonia Blackledge
Magee, MS 601-849-1918