Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre

06/02/2026

Our team is wearing RED for Heart Health Awareness month! We wear red to be seen, heard, to make an impact and to educate about cardiovascular health.

Join us by wearing RED every Friday in February to be a part of the conversation on how we can improve heart health.

05/02/2026

March is quickly approaching and we're excited for our annual World Down Syndrome Day Awareness events. These awareness events are ones that create lots of buzz and support and we look forward to hosting them each year. From the Lots of Socks initiative to the Family Fun Ride (with Antigua and Barbuda Cycling Federation), we can't wait to show up and show out.

Save the dates...March 20th and March 22nd!! Let's get ready to Rock our Socks and support Down Syndrome Awareness in a fun way.

More details to follow.

Antigua and Barbuda Cycling Federation

05/02/2026

We are beyond grateful to CIBC Caribbean for their incredible donation of $177,000—the highest amount raised in the 15-year history of Walk for the Cure.

These funds will be split equally ($88,500 each) between our Oncology Department and our partners at Breast Friends. This contribution isn't just a number; it’s a direct investment in early detection, specialized care, and the support systems our patients and their families rely on every day.

Thank you to every walker, hiker, and sponsor who made this milestone possible.

04/02/2026

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, February 3, 2026 — Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) is pleased to announce a significant EC$228,690 donation from the Mill Reef Fund. This latest contribution targets high-impact areas of the hospital, funding specialized medical equipment essential for emergency, surgical, and respiratory services.

The donation facilitates the acquisition of:
A New Laparoscopic Tower: Replacing aging technology to ensure precision in minimally invasive surgeries.
Advanced EKG Machine: Enhancing cardiac monitoring within the Operating Room.
Twelve Specialized Recliners: Expanding capacity and patient comfort in the Emergency Department’s Asthma Bay.

Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, SLBMC Medical Director, emphasized the broad impact of the contribution.

"This generous investment from the Mill Reef Fund drives a transformative shift in how we deliver care across our most critical departments. By modernizing our surgical suite with a new laparoscopic tower and enhancing patient monitoring with advanced EKG technology, we are significantly elevating our standard and precision. Simultaneously, the expansion of our Asthma Bay allows us to treat more patients effectively during peak times. These enhancements don’t just upgrade our equipment, they directly improve patient outcomes and strengthen the resilience of our hospital. The strength of our healthcare system is a collective responsibility that relies on the support of dedicated partners. We extend our sincerest gratitude to the Mill Reef Fund for their ongoing commitment to SLBMC and for once again standing with us to ensure our patients receive the resources they deserve.”

The Mill Reef Fund has been a cornerstone of philanthropic support in Antigua and Barbuda for decades. Helene van Beuren, Chair of the Mill Reef Fund, noted that this gift continues a long-standing mission to support the nation’s health infrastructure.

“The Mill Reef Fund remains committed to supporting institutions that have a direct and meaningful impact on the well-being of our community. Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre plays a vital role in caring for the people of Antigua and Barbuda every single day, and it is important to our Board that the hospital has the tools and resources needed to deliver quality care. This work matters deeply to us, and we are proud to continue our partnership with SLBMC.”

Salma Crump, SLBMC Head of Marketing & Communications, highlighted the human element behind the figures.

"This contribution is a testament to a partnership that has become a vital pillar of our healthcare system. This isn't just an investment in technology; it is an investment in people," Crump stated. " By equipping our clinicians with these essential resources, the Mill Reef Fund is directly enhancing the quality of care for the thousands of patients who rely on these critical services each year. We are profoundly grateful for their continued confidence in our hospital and their enduring commitment to the health and well-being of everyone who calls Antigua and Barbuda home.”

Marking another milestone in their enduring relationship, this latest support from the Mill Reef Fund reinforces a shared commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for everyone who relies on SLBMC.

04/02/2026

Tomorrow on Antigua Observer by NewsCo Ltd, Dr. Adrian Rhudd will be talking real-life men’s health and cancer awareness for World Cancer Day. A must-listen for men and the people who love them.

04/02/2026

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, February 3, 2026 — Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) joins the global community in observing World Cancer Day under the theme “United by Unique,” which highlights the individuality of every cancer journey while reinforcing the shared responsibility to improve prevention, care, and outcomes for all.

The theme recognizes that no two cancer experiences are the same, yet patients, families, healthcare professionals, and communities are united in the collective fight against the disease. SLBMC continues to provide patient-centered cancer care, grounded in compassion, clinical expertise, and respect for each individual’s needs.

As the country’s national referral hospital, SLBMC emphasizes that awareness and early detection are the most powerful tools in our arsenal. The hospital encourages the public to prioritize their health by engaging in recommended screenings, seeking medical advice promptly, and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers.

On this World Cancer Day, SLBMC also pauses to acknowledge the dedication of its oncology clinicians, nurses, and support staff. Their tireless work ensures that every patient is supported, heard, and cared for throughout their journey.

SLBMC remains committed to strengthening cancer services and working with partners to ensure that every patient receives care that reflects both their unique experience and the highest standards of quality and dignity.

03/02/2026

Free HPV testing = peace of mind.
Available on select weekends at Villa Polyclinic.If you’re eligible, take this simple step toward preventing cervical cancer. Early screening saves lives.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs is pleased to announce the commencement of free weekend Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing as part of ongoing efforts to prevent cervical cancer and promote women’s health.

The free HPV testing will be conducted at the Villa Polyclinic on the following dates:
Saturday and Sunday, February 7 and 8, 2026
Saturday and Sunday, February 15 and 16, 2026

Testing will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on each day.

The initiative is open to:
Women ages 30–65 years
Women who have never done an HPV test
Women who have not had surgery to remove the entire uterus

Women are reminded that even if they have previously had a Pap smear, they still qualify for HPV testing.

HPV testing is a critical tool in the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. The Ministry encourages eligible women to take advantage of this free service, as early screening can significantly reduce the risk of developing
cervical cancer.

For further information, persons may contact hpvtestingab@gmail.com or call (268) 781-8256.

The Ministry of Health remains committed to improving access to preventive healthcare services and safeguarding the well-being of women across Antigua and Barbuda.

03/02/2026

The Interact Clubs of the St. Joseph’s Academy and Christ the King High School visited the paediatric ward today for a donation. The students donated items such as clocks, kettles, crib sheets and other essential items that would improve the comfort and care of the paediatric patients.

The students, accompanied by Rotarian- Evangeline Allen, presented these items to Registered Nurse and Unit Manager, Zena Knight Barnes and Registered Nurse Karen Jacobs.

Thank you for your kindness. May the spirit of philanthropy stay with you always!
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02/02/2026

The Ghanaian Nurses are here and we are elated to have them. We've started our week with orientation sessions for the new team.

The Minister of Health Wellness and The Environment, Sir Molwyn Joseph, alongside officials from the Ministry of Health and the Executive Team and Management of SLBMC were all present for the opening day of the scheduled two week orientation program. This orientation, led by the SLBMC Learning and Development/ Human Resources teams, will seek to seamlessly integrate these clinical hires into our healthcare landscape.

Here are some scenes from today's session!

02/02/2026

Heart & Stroke Foundation, Antigua and Barbuda is back with their 2nd Annual Public Lecture.

Don't miss out on this informative, hybrid, interactive session being held on February 26, 2026.

02/02/2026

We are wearing RED this Friday, February 6, for Wear Red Day!❤️

February is Heart Health Awareness Month!

We wear red to raise awareness about heart disease and to remind everyone that knowing your heart health, recognizing symptoms, and how to take the appropriate actions to save lives. The more we know, the better we do.

01/02/2026

If you made it through Dry January, hats off to you.

As we move forward, remember: it’s not about perfection, it’s about balance. Whether you’re choosing to drink less, take alcohol-free days, or just be more mindful, every small step counts toward better health.

Hydrate, listen to your body, and do what works for you.

February is about progress, not pressure.