CRY FOR HELP: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Under Fire as Patients Demand Urgent Reform
St. John’s, Antigua — April 19, 2025
Mounting frustration has erupted into public outcry as patients and concerned workers at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre voice deep dissatisfaction with the state of the hospital’s hospitality and procedural practices. Civilians are now urgently calling on the government to step in and revamp the institution, which they say is in dire need of reform.
From prolonged wait times to claims of rude and inappropriate treatment, patients are describing their experience as distressing and, at times, dehumanizing. “We are not asking for perfection — we are asking to be treated with dignity,” said one patient, visibly shaken by their recent visit to the emergency room. “The hospital needs help. We need help!”
A growing number of complaints highlight consistent delays in service delivery, disorganized procedures, and what some describe as a “lazy-like” attitude from certain staff. Many have pointed out that this isn’t a reflection of all healthcare workers, but a systemic issue that leaves even dedicated professionals overwhelmed and unsupported.
“The truth is, we’re understaffed and overworked,” shared one hospital worker who asked to remain anonymous. “We need more hands — more doctors, more nurses, more orderlies. The strain is real, and it’s affecting the quality of care we’re able to provide.”
The call for additional medical personnel — especially doctors, nurses, and orderlies — is being echoed across departments, as the facility struggles to keep pace with the growing demand for healthcare services.
Citizens are pleading for immediate government intervention, calling for both increased staffing and a reassessment of operational procedures to ensure a more efficient, compassionate, and professional healthcare environment.
As the national hospital, the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre holds a vital place in Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare infrastructure. For many, it’s the first — and often only — option for urgent and specialized care. As such, the stakes are high.
This is not the first time concerns have been raised, but with tensions rising and public patience wearing thin, the message is now loud and clear: meaningful action must be taken — and soon.
“Our lives are in their hands. We need to trust the system, not fear it,” said another patient. “We need more staff, better treatment, and real change. This is a matter of urgency.”
~Patient
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While there are some things we cannot change, our attitude is not one of them. A positive pleasing perky personality is a must when working with the public, especially in a hospital environment. Too often government offices( and some private ones) are staffed by rude individuals who clearly lack public relations skills or who act like they were raised by pigs.
No the board and management don’t see your concerns . Because from the HR right down throws a party every month for whatever occasion and also fat up there pockets.
The present staff nurses doctors orderlies a like are drained, overworked and VERY VERY understaffed.
The board and HR make fake promises to their staff .
Antiguans generally act like uncivilized donkeys unless it’s a white person or some tourists, Antiguans have that HOUSE NEGRO MENTALITY.
How many times have we all read an article like this about SLBMC. Here we go again and nothing ever improves. I would rather die at home than go to that hospital. All the waisted money on concerts and roads that crumble from the first good rain. Why not spend some money on improving the health care system first. Who ever is running that place needs to retire. You’re doing a terrible job. It’s costing people their lives.
As a former worker at the SLBMC, I can testify to the behavior and attitude of not only nurses but doctors, Orderlies even receptionist and even the GCG porters, and I will not be falling short and not include the patients. While a patient is complaing and is being real, at the same time let us highlight the impact patients behaviors can have on these workers at the SLBMC. I mean, you give to get right? but let me not be biased, because the workers attitude also triggers the patients behavior. SLBMC is known for wasting time since under the name MSJMC. This is nothing new. many patients go there with the possibility of surviving but died by the neglegence of frontline workers who should
The majority of times it is indeed the manner in which they treat people like they are above the people seeking medical attention. Sometimes they forget that they too will need to seek help
Remember sometimes the doctors you meet haven’t slept all day and are really trying when they meet you at 4am
As these doctors speak about being overworked, I am extremely annoyed since the emergency room doctors work only 8hours per shift. Yet, they constantly complain of being overworked. How is it that doctors can come to the start of their shift tired? Is this because they work at other medical centers, and then report to SLBMC tired for their shift ? Then, they choose to rest, so that they can be all bright eyed for their next shift at those private institutions. Thorough and proper investigations need to be carried out, as this seems to be a common practice amongst the doctors who produce the least while on shift. I will not accept that all or most of the blame should be placed on the HR or the board. They are not the frontline workers.
Many times, the triage moves at a decent pace but the back log is created by the doctors who are plain out lazy. I recall being at the SLBMC as there was a shift change. The doctor then literally saw three patients and informed the receptionist that she was tired. Then throughout the night she sent to constantly check to see how many people remained. I know that some will suggest that patients are seen based on priority. Are children with flu like symptoms and vomiting not a priority? Are patients with epilepsy not a priority? Are patients with hypertension and an elevated bp not a priority? Are patients with know heart conditions not priority even? These things need to change.
Due to the gross negligence displayed by a few staff members, especially the Frontline workers, other diligent staff memebers and the establishment get a bad reputation. This is unfair. It is time enough that the bad seeds are rooted out and shamed for their higher than mighty actions. The most disheartening part of this whole saga is that these doctors are rather competent and knowledgeable. However, they display unethical and dishonest behaviour that unfairly casts a negative light over the SLBMC.
You pick a profession like Health CARE. The word Care should say it all. No excuses for the workers. If you have a problem you must band together and make them listen and address it. After all you chose the profession.
This is a complicated situation. Poor salaries, shortage of staff are caused by an indifferent and uncaring Minister and government. The hospital constantly runs out of basic medicines and supplies. Even toilet paper. The food provided to patients is horrible and even stray dogs and pigs would not eat it. But Ministers travel daily. Government lost nearly a million on One Nation and will lose even more on the Carnival show paying a Trini singer US$75,000. Our government’s priorities are not the people first.
This is long awaiting we only have one hospital and people are now afraid to go there for medical attention. This is because of the fear of not making out alive… I have heard it referred to as a morgue you go in walking and come out in in a body bag.. this is absolutely apauling and the Goverment need to be held accountable for it.. it’s ok for them because they can travel abroad but for locals it’s all we have PLEASE make it a priority.. The nurses also need to learn bedside manners, how to care for the elderly, hand hygiene and the Dr’s as well they treat people with no dignity and that is not ok..
Instead y’all ask for the ministry of health and by extension the minister to do their jobs and support the administrative team yall targeting the employees. While most of you employees do no sort of work and be the said one to be very rude to visitors. Leave for a better job since ya so unhappy.
I’ve seen how these nurses works. I’ve heard how the work and yet still they try to put on their best work ethics for ungrateful and rude antiguans. I wonder how should they feel. After working hours with not even a sit down, you still have patients who want to speak to you a kinda how. make it make sense. sometimes the attitude given is out of tired ness
I love my job and care deeply for my patients, but we are truly overwhelmed. There are days when we don’t even get a proper break. We need help, more staff, better systems, and resources to do the job properly.
We’re not lazy. We’re tired. Working 12-hour shifts back-to-back with limited resources is draining mentally and physically. This isn’t sustainable. We hear the cries of the public, we feel them too. We want to do better, but the system needs to change so we can deliver the level of care our people deserve. It’s painful reading these complaints, but I can’t say they’re wrong. We’re doing our best under extremely challenging conditions.
It’s a little bit of both. We are all under pressure, especially the medical employees because they have to deliver good and professional health care at all times. Remember they are humans too
Not all staff are rude, but the few that are give the whole hospital a bad name. We need more training and accountability. and i ca name a few but its better to keep it lovely
Imagine paying taxes all these years just to be treated like a burden when you fall sick. Shameful, More staff. More respect. More care. This should be a priority
It’s not just about numbers. We need training updates, functioning equipment, and a management structure that listens. We’re frontline, but we’re not invincible.
It’s not going to change, I have seen the attitude of the reception area on many occasions and wonder if these people have a degree pigology
Why Annoyed always watching People’s pockets? and why not invite your ” always want to be in things” self to the parties? Just sounding so envious and jealous.
You know to have a great work force you have to treat your employees good?
So tap in your little crab hole and vex! And worry why your manager or supervisor not making you happy.
Again..if you put people in vital positions, that are only in those positions because of who they know, with very little merit, what else y’all expect.
This attitude is throughout the entire public system in Antigua..from the airport to the healthcare system.
The nepotism most stop before y’all will see any changes. Antigua still have that same ole monkey on their backs, where the higher color skin you have, it’s the more nicely you are treated or promoted.
It’s called ” the mediacroty system” folks.
Very difficult to stamp out.
Though this is not an excuse, alot of staff do not care to go above and beyond. This is because alot is happening internally, unfair pay, they need to set a clear measurable fair pay scale from top to bottom, faulty equipment, lack of resources, just to name a few. Things don’t change so I left the job. Love Healthcare, but too much falling on deaf ear and they don’t want to hear the people’s cry. You speak up, you get victimized, such a shame. The high turn over rate is a reflection of the above mentioned. More giving up every other day. So much more going to leave. Poor internal treatment on employees definitely will have an impact on the patient, sad to say. People go to the job not caring. I left that job because I did not want to lose my character. Hope is gets fixed soon.
Almost every doctor in Antigua is employed at the hospital. The younger ones without any private practice usually show up for their shifts. One of the main problem is that the experienced , doctors/ specialists do not show up on duty. They do not even do 50% of their share of work and always gets paid on time. If they show up they always refer you to their private practice. Where you are charged exorbitant fees.
Let’s look at a few- the ENT specialist I know was employed by the government for years. Is he still employed by SLBMSJ hospital. If you need him it’s was always just down the road. At his private practice you better have real money. Of course. It’s true he has all the modern equipment and apparatuses. So why not make a presentation to the government to set up a nice ENT department. Sir do you love your country? Loving your country means caring for its people, the poor and the vulnerable. Your music is good, you sing nationalistic songs , do likewise with your work. Are you and your wife still employed by the hospital? This is just an example because almost all the others with urgent care, and special practices are the head of certain areas of the hospital.
I can commend Dr. Lester Simon, the owner of Medpath lab. He was exceptional during Covid. He continues to show up and do his work. I guess the government ministers may not like him because he will always speak to truth. He will not tell you what you want to hear but what you need to hear. Thanks you very much Dr. Simon you deserved all the accolades.
I know that you all have studied hard. That the prestige you expect to come with the practice are money, nice cars and material wealth. However, a good doctor don’t put these things first. They put the well being of their fellow human first. We will all live and die and leave maternal things behind. A life well lived in service is for better than silver or gold. Not saying that you should not be paid well. I believe that you should be looked after. Instead of giving away our lands , all these tax exemption etc to these foreign vipers. Ensure those that we are expecting to take care of us are given good pay packages. Look for example we heard the PM saying that cabinet made a decision to sell the MP’s one acre of prime lands for popcorn. All our doctors, nurses and teachers are asking for is the opportunity to live decent lives. Just an house plot some of them are struggling to get . Until these corrupt practices change and we put people first. That those we employ to run our affairs stop the selfishness, the selfish enrichment. Things are going to remain the same.
There cannot be no economic power house without proper medical care.
The government had also promised to turn medical benefits into a medical insurance. That was a big part of your political campaign to get in office.
So we need our doctors to show up and duty. We need those you put in office to run our affairs to look after our health care system and those we are depending on to look after us . Let’s put Antigua first.
Sometimes there’s alot at stake. Not all nurses and doctors are bad. Some love their job and some are burnt out. But listen it comes with the territory. I believe however there should be more incentives for these men and women. They should also be paid better wages
I totally and completely understand. Some people don’t even expect nurses and doctors to take a bathroom break. This job is not for the weak.