AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye The care and emergency treatment of Mr. Fred Somes

good summary by pam and natalie.. a place to come to is very key and seamless transition between levels of care is critical. Interesting point about other spots in Belize... I have been to the the ER in Dangriga and it is open all the time and seems to function reasonably well. Seems reasonable to try for the same in San Pedro in a reasonable and attainable form.

I agree with everything that Natalie has said. One other thought is if the polyclinic is not available or able to change its policies, there is also the chamber facility that could be used. Dr. Lerida has a functional ER as well and maybe could make it available to an on call staff.So, basically it means 1 full time nursing position 6 pm to 6 am, radio ability and a rolling on call system with the docs. Also there would need to a radio to be carried by the doc on call. Acers know who to call (nurse), nurse knows who is on duty.Acers can give nurse good accounting of patient status so he/she knows whether or not to have the doc waiting for patient to arrive

Well said Natalie and Pam, A simple plan to expand on can sometimes be the way to accomplish this goal.

Copy of the letter going out to the local doctors.



Dear Doctors,

There is currently an interest in forming a meeting with local healthcare providers, government officials, local business owners, concerned residents and a few non-residents who all share an affection for Belize and more specifically Ambergris Caye to discuss the need for a staffed centralized emergency facility, ambulance cart and 24/7 emergency responders on Ambergris Caye.

Obviously this is a futile effort without you, the local doctors of San Pedro being involved.

The goal is to schedule a meeting with all of the local doctors, relevant government officials and any other interested parties for an open discussion on how to achieve this much needed service. A tentative date of Thursday, July 23rd has been set for this meeting.

If you could be so kind as to email me or inform Josie Nunez if you are willing / able to attend this proposed meeting.

I plan to attend along with:

John Gillis, MD
E.R. physician and medical director of Bandage International.

Martin Smith
Former head of the emergency medical response for the US Air Force world wide.

I nor any of the other non-residents offering to aid in this endeavor have any personal stake in this issue other than our affection for Belize and Ambergris Caye and our desire to assist with areas of need.

Thank you in advance for your consideration,



Thomas R. Blackledge, M.D.

Very good letter. Good start.