Diabetic, Hypertensive and Cardiac Patients on Nevis Benefit from US Cardiologist’s Visit

Acting Premier and Minister of Health in the Nevis Island Administration Hon. Mark Brantley meeting with visiting Cardiologist from West Georgia Cardiology Dr. Charlie Rouse at his Bath Hotel office in Bath Plain

NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (SEPTEMBER 25, 2013) — A number of diabetic and hypertensive patients turned out to listen to Cardiologist from the West Georgia Cardiology and Wellness Center Dr. Charlie Rouse when he delivered a lecture at the Franklyn Browne Community Centre on September 24, 2013.

The lecture was one of two events held by the Ministry of Health on Nevis through Dr. Rouse and was the last activity held by the Ministry for the observance of Caribbean Wellness Month in September.

According to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Mrs. Nicole Slack-Liburd, Dr. Rouse’s three-day visit to Nevis was prompted by a Nevisian who resided in the United States of America in partnership with the Ministry. While on Nevis Dr. Rouse also conducted a cardiac clinic by referrals only at the Alexandra Hospital and met with resident Cardiologist Dr. Jesus Gonzalez Merrero.

Meantime, during a visit with Acting Premier and Minister of Health in the NIA Hon. Mark Brantley on September 23, Brantley explained that the Specialist had come to assist Nevis and to pass on some of his medical knowledge and skills. He thanked Dr. Rouse for his decision to assist the island.

A section of persons present listening to Cardiologist from West Georgia Cardiology Dr. Charlie Rouse while he deliveres a lecture for diabetic and hypertensive patients at the Franklyn Browne Community Centre in St. James on September 24, 2013

“I would like to thank you on behalf of the Nevisian population for coming and spending your time and coming to assist us in our healthcare needs…

“I think we are very happy to hear that this is not a one-off thing. I think the public would be very happy to hear that your charity extends to a long-term relationship and that is something that the island needs and would be looking forward to,” Mr. Brantley said.

In brief remarks Dr. Rouse explained how and why he decided to assist Nevis with its health care.

“I am a Cardiologist and I’ve been in practise for about 17 years. For the last 12-13 years or so I’ve been doing some mission work in different countries around the world and when I was approached about this opportunity to provide some cardiovascular services to Nevis, I was extremely excited about it,” he said.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Mrs. Nicole Slack-Liburd

The visiting Cardiologist also noted that the visit was a fact finding one which would lay the groundwork for future visits to the island.

“This portion of our trip is to decide, to find out what the needs are and so it would give us an opportunity to see what those needs are from medical needs to equipment needs or whatever the case may be. Once we have established that, we will plan to have a more formal mission trip next year where we’re actually bringing in additional services and things of that nature.

“In addition to that, one of the things we’d like to do is to make sure that we have an ongoing relationship so this is not a one-time thing for us. I hope for you all, you have that expectation as well but it’s certainly not a one-time event for us and we anticipate maybe about four times a year providing the cardiovascular services in the form of education and medication, equipment etc,” he said.

Dr. Rouse left Nevis to return to the United States on September 25, 2013.