MINISTRY DEPARTMENT AND UNITS

MISSION

To provide and ensure high quality oral health services to all sectors of the population in the Turks and Caicos Islands, by promoting oral health awareness, through cost effective, efficient preventative and curative dental procedures and rehabilitation in collaboration with other health care providers.

DENTAL HISTORY

Dr. Donald Oliver Astwood founded the dental department in 1926, becoming the first Chief Dental Officer and the first local professional Dentist in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Dr. Donald Astwood served until 1971 before handing the department over to his son Dr. Leopold Astwood.

Dr. Leopold Astwood. who became the second local to take up the post of Chief Dental Officer. Dr. Leopold Astwood served from 1971 until 1998 before retiring; he now resides in Grand Turk.

Dr. Donald Oliver Astwood
Dr. Donald Oliver AstwoodChief Dental Officer
1926 - 1971
Dr. Leopold Astwood
Dr. Leopold AstwoodChief Dental Officer
1971 - 1998
Dr. Poornachandra Revanna
Dr. Poornachandra RevannaChief Dental Officer
1998 - 2004
Dr. Leebert Wright
Dr. Leebert WrightChief Dental Officer
2004 - 2005
Dr. Sonia Perez
Dr. Sonia PerezChief Dental Officer (Acting)
2005 - 2007
Dr. Janice Baron
Dr. Janice BaronChief Dental Officer
2007 - 2012
Dr. Jameiko J. Harvey
Dr. Jameiko J. HarveyChief Dental Officer
2012 – 2019
Dr. Janice Baron
Dr. Janice BaronChief Dental Officer
2020 - present

DENTAL SERVICES

  • The Division of Dental Health is responsible for the planning, developing, coordinating and delivering Dental Health Services throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
  • Ensuring that services are accessible to all residents on the islands.
  • Monitoring oral diseases and reducing the incidence and prevalence of Dental Disease.
  • Formulating policies in an ever-changing environment, so as to deliver high quality and comprehensive dental services to all.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS THAT ARE ON-STREAM WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT DENTAL CLINICS INCLUDE

  • School Dental Health Program (School children 0-18 yrs)
  • Her Majesty Prison Program
  • Wellness Center Program
  • Ante-Natal & Post-Natal Program
  • Oral Health Promotion Programs (radio & television)
  • SNAP Center Program
  • The Dental Division is guided by the Turks & Caicos Islands Medical Ordinance

DENTAL FEES

Services Cost NHIP Card Without NHIP Card
Oral Examination $5:00 $5:00 $20:00
Dental Cleaning $5:00 $5:00 $20:00
Preventative Restorative Care $5:00 $5:00 $20:00
Dental Extraction $15:00 $15:00 $40:00

DENTAL CLINICS

There are two main Dental clinics on the islands, one in Grand Turk, located in the Cockburn town Medical Center and one at the Cheshire Hall Medical Center in Providenciales. There are five satellite clinics located in South Caicos , North Caicos , Middle Caicos and Salt Cay. In general, these clinics serve the population of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with the majority of the population living on the island of Providenciales, additional Basic Dental Services are delivered via a Mobile Dental Unit.

CONTACT INFORMATION / HOURS OF OPERATION

Dental Clinics Location Telephone
Cockburn Town Medical Center Grand Turk Gov't. Dental Clinic (649) 338-3483 / (649) 338-3484
Cheshire Hall Medical Centre Providenciales Gov't. Dental Clinic (649) 338-5133 / (649) 338-5134
Bottle Creek Primary Health Clinic Dental Clinic North Caicos (649) 338-3050
Kew Primary Health Clinic Dental Clinic North Caicos (649) 338-3050 / (649) 946-7397
Alcida Hall Health Center Middle Caicos Gov't. Dental Clinic (649) 946-6145
Salt Cay Health Clinic Salt Cay (649) 232-6970
South Caicos Primary Health Clinic South Caicos (649) 232-3216

 

All Government Dental Clinics operate between the hours of 8:00 am-4: 30 pm on weekdays and close on weekends and public holidays.

WHAT IS EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE?

Emergency medical service (EMS), is a pre- hospital care whose purpose is to respond quickly to emergency situation regarding medical issues, traumatic injuries and accident scenes.

PROVISIONS BY THE DEPARTMENT

This service has provide and will continue to provide for the community for many years. Some of these provisions are:

  • Treatment
  • Assessment of patients
  • Transports (dialysis, medevac and shut-ins)
  • Community out reach ( teaching cpr, splinting, etc)

HOURS OF OPERATION

This operations runs 24/7,meaning any time you or anyone that you know is in need all.you have to do it call 911 and we will be there.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If anyone has a problem reaching 911 , you can call the following numbers:

TCIG NEMS Department Main Office Contact: (649) 941-7592
Grand Turk Ambulance Division Unit Mobile Contact: (649) 232-3138
Providenciales Ambulance Division Unit Mobile Contact: (649) 232 3139
South Caicos Ambulance Division Unit Mobile Contact: (649) 232-2861
North Caicos Ambulance Unit Mobile Contact: (649) 232-6827

 

LIST OF STAFF

These are the names of the men and women that trained and dedicated their time to.make sure that whatever the emergency is you will get the best of care.

Grand Turk Ambulance Division Providenciales Ambulance Division South Caicos Ambulance Division North Caicos Ambulance Division
Renande Charles (AEMT) D`Angelo Francis Shadae Francis (AEMT) Grushinka Seymour(AEMT)
Katrisa Prospere (AEMT) Ajahmek Fitz-Henley    
Jean Tadeus (AEMT) Hugh Green (AEMT)    
Lacey-Ann Davis (AEMT) Kahlil Barnett (AEMT)    
David Smith (EMR) Bendy Francis (EMT)    
Steven Been (EMR) Jumaine Jackson (EMT)    
Marlon Malcom (EMR) Kyle Brooks (EMR)    
Robert Butterfield (EMR) Stevenson Mayham (EMR)    

 

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

The EMS department offers many programs that helps educate the public so that instead waiting on someone to come to save a life , they can help by giving firsthand experience they have to help assist the emergency medical technicians. Some of.these programs are:

  • First aid
  • First aid and CPR training - this is now.being taught in every primary and high schools

NEWS / HEALTH PROMOTION

Emergency Medical Services provide promotions when it comes to the public health. Such promotions are:

  • Hand hygiene
  • Foot hygiene etc

FUNCTIONS

The National Health Planning and Promotion Unit works with Ministry Units/Departments to develop, implement, monitor and evaluate health legislation, policies, plans, programmes and campaigns aimed at improving the health and well-being of persons residing in the TCI.

The Unit has seven major functions:

  1. Health planning and policy development;
  2. Policy analysis and advice;
  3. Programme/project development;
  4. Monitoring and evaluation;
  5. Community engagement and partnership development;
  6. Resource mobilization; and
  7. Coordinate with Ministry staff to carryout technical assistance objectives set forth in the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Biennial Work Plan

HEALTH PLANNING AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT

Health planning involves the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of health plans and policies intended to improve the health and well-being of the TCI.

POLICY ANALYSIS AND ADVISE

Policy analysis involves defining a problem and evaluation criteria; identifying and evaluating alternatives; and making recommendations for the policy accordingly. Policy analysis uses both qualitative methods and quantitative methods, including case studies, survey research, statistical analysis, and model building.

PROGRAMME / PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

The act of developing and/or improving by expanding a service, project or program; development of terms of reference (TORs) and request for proposals (RFPs) or expression of interests (EOIs) for a service or product; and development of proposals for research or demonstration (e.g., pilot programme).

MONITORING, EVALUATION, & RESEARCH

Monitoring and evaluation involves the collection and assessment of relevant information to determine the usefulness and effectiveness of health services, programmes and activities to enhance knowledge and decision-making.

COMMUINITY ENGAGEMENT AND PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Community engagement and partnership development with organizations, agencies and individuals to bring resources, expertise and/or credibility to health services, activities and programmes.

RESOURCE MOBILIZATION

The process of raising different types of support for the Ministry including financial sponsorship, technical assistance and in-kind support. This process includes but is not limited to:

  1. Submitting a proposal to a potential sponsor agency;
  2. Requesting volunteer support where volunteers provide their time and resources to support the work of the Ministry;
  3. Requesting in kind technical assistance; and
  4. Submitting regional and/or international grant proposals.

FUNCTIONS

The NHPAU works with MOH departments and units to develop campaigns aimed at improving the health and well-being of persons residing in the TCI. The Unit aims to make health promotion, injury prevention and disease prevention, management and control an integral part of society and public policy. The intent is to help people achieve a state of optimal health and take individual and collective responsibility for making healthy lifestyle choices.

The Unit has four major functions:

  1. Health promotion and disease prevention and control;
  2. Monitoring and evaluation; and
  3. Community engagement and partnership development.
  4. Advocacy

MISSION

To help people achieve a state of optimal health and take individual and collective responsibility for making healthy lifestyle choices and making health promotion and disease and injury prevention an integral part of society and public policy.

Good health is a major resource for social, economic and personal development and an important dimension of quality of life. Political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, behavioural and biological factors can all favour health or be harmful to it. Health promotion action aims at making these conditions favourable through advocacy for health.

PURPOSE & FUNCTION

The National Epidemiology and Research Unit (NERU) was created in 2007 as an independent unit of the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services (MOHAHS) to promote public health and safety in TCI and improve the delivery of health services and health outcomes in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).

NERU is in charge of disease surveillance and spearheading/conducting essential health research within the MOHAHS. This includes leading and conducting surveillance activities to monitor the determinants and distribution of diseases in the population, while strengthening the capacity of the MOHAHS to identify and effectively investigate and respond to disease outbreaks in a timely manner. This in turn minimizes the adverse impacts on the citizens and the economy of the TCI.

NERU also conducts research to generate health information to be used to inform health policy development, health in all policy (HiAP) development, evidence-informed decision-making, and the timely development and implementation of health interventions. Research endeavours thus far have focused on the ongoing assessment of health and nutritional status of school children and adolescents, measuring the impact of interventions, which consisted of infused health messages, into a sample of the nation’s elementary school curriculum; and conducting a seafood consumption and illness survey, which focused primarily on Ciguatera Food Poisoning (CFP) in TCI. Research on the risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is underway.

SERVICES PROVIDED

Whenever possible, NERU assists governmental agencies with essential health research including, but not limited to, assistance with research protocols, data analysis and scientific writing.

NERU disseminates epidemiological information in the form of newsletters, workshops, presentations both locally and regionally to ensure the stakeholders and partners are kept abreast of pertinent information and developments in public health.

NERU also chairs the National Surveillance Committee/Network of the MOHAHS.

Staff Name
Designation
Dr Terese Maitland
National Epidemiologist
Dr Shandey Malcolm
Deputy National Epidemiologist
Mrs Kayan Smith-Garland
Health Surveillance Officer
Ms Kendra Malcolm
Health Surveillance Officer

MISSION

To provide accurate and timely diagnosis to ensure efficient and effective treatment services, and high quality care to patients with acute illness and/or those requiring hospitalization.

VISION

Providing world standard healthcare to the communities and residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

SERVICES CURRENTLY PROVIDED

  • Norovirus Testing (PCR)
  •  Influenza A/B Testing (PCR)
  • RSV Testing (PCR)
  • SARS-CoV-2 Testing (PCR)
  • Blood Donor Collection
Staff Name
Designation
Samajeo Williams
Director/Chief Medical Technologist
Karis King
Medical Technologist
Tamarie Price
Medical Technologist

CONTACT US

Tel. : (649) 338-5132
Email : nphl@gov.tc
Location : Providenciales
Office Hours : 8:15 AM - 4:30 PM

MISSION

“To ensure that every person with special needs grow and develop to their full potential”

VISION

To improve the quality of life and independence of the elderly and persons living with special needs through access to dedicated residential aged care and wellness centers, assessment opportunities rehabilitative and therapeutic services and specializes learning centers.

OBJECTIVES

  1. Develop policies, criteria, procedures for all special needs programs in the Turks & Caicos Islands;
  2. Compile and maintain a National Registry of all persons with special needs with the Turks & Caicos Islands;
  3. Develop and design and programs to enhance the lives of persons residing in the Centers upholding their dignity and pride in a friendly, caring and comforting environment;
  4. Provide therapeutic programs (occupational and speech/language);
  5. Liaise with government department and civic organizations in the recreation and enhancement for persons with special needs;
  6. Increase the public understanding and awareness of persons with special needs;
  7. Develop a support network for families of special needs persons throughout the islands;

SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

1. SNAP Center

Motto: “I am a Promise and a Possibility”

The Special Needs Association of Providenciales (SNAP) Center provides intellectual and life skills opportunities for children and young persons with disabilities. Ages 4 -20

2. Wellness Centers

Motto: “Upholding Pride and dignity in a comfortable environment.”

The Wellness Centers are designed to provide twenty-four hour care to vulnerable persons (elderly/special needs) who may not have immediate relatives to provide adequate care, protection and lacks financial resources to access care.

The Centers are also transitional centers for the elderly and special needs persons that require additional medical care after being discharged from the Hospital for a period to be determined by management of the Special Needs Unit and a medical practitioner.

Persons are accepted on a priority and availability basis.

There are two (2) Centers one (1) in Grand Turk providing services for the elderly and special needs and one in South Caicos for the elderly.

3. Therapeutic Services (Visiting)

  • Speech/Language Pathologist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Behavioral Therapist
  • Neuro-Psychologist

DAYS OF OBSERVANCE

21st March World Day of Down Syndrome Day
2nd April World Autism Awareness Day
15th June World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
1st October International Day of the Older Persons
3rd December International Day of Persons with Disabilities

LIST OF STAFF

Name of Employees Position Island Program
Betty-Ann Been Director Grand Turk Special Needs Unit
Norean Lightbour McKoy Program Officer South Caicos Special Needs Unit
Jacqueline Garland Secretary Grand Turk Special Needs Unit
Alexia Durham Supervisor Grand Turk Special Needs Unit
Prestianna Cox Deputy Supervisor South Caicos Wellness Center
Alicia Glinton Clinical Nurse Grand Turk Wellness Center
Yvette Ainsley Clinical Nurse Grand Turk Wellness Center
Angelina Malclom Clinical Nurse Grand Turk Wellness Center
Martika Boyce Clinical Nurse Grand Turk Wellness Center
Shakita Missick Clinical Nurse Grand Turk Wellness Center
Oliana Dorastin Client Care Assistant South Caicos Wellness Center
Ismay Seymour Client Care Assistant South Caicos Wellness Center
Kenricka Forbes Client Care Assistant South Caicos Wellness Center
Lakeybra Goldman Client Care Assistant South Caicos Wellness Center
Kandia Howell Client Care Assistant South Caicos Wellness Center
Lucinda Brown Client Care Assistant Grand Turk Wellness Center
Lorna Missick Client Care Assistant Grand Turk Wellness Center
Derecha Robinson Client Care Assistant Grand Turk Wellness Center
Dianne Skippings Client Care Assistant Grand Turk Wellness Center
Cherrybelle Smith Client Care Assistant Grand Turk Wellness Center
Lolita Williams Client Care Assistant Grand Turk Wellness Center
Marilyn Williams Client Care Assistant Grand Turk Wellness Center
Szeneka K. Williams Client Care Assistant Grand Turk Wellness Center
Carolean Rigby Client Care Assistant Grand Turk Wellness Center
Angela Garcia Client Care Assistant Grand Turk Wellness Center
Anya Robinson Client Care Assistant Grand Turk Wellness Center
Sheryl Patterson Special Ed Teacher Providenciales SNAP CENTER
Paulette Simmons Teacher Providenciales SNAP CENTER
Shaniqua Morgan Assistant Teacher Providenciales SNAP CENTER
Helena Dean Head Cook South Caicos Wellness Center
Sandra Ducanson Cook South Caicos Wellness Center
Abertha Adams Cook Grand Turk Wellness Center
Denise Prince Cook (Supervisor) Grand Turk Wellness Center
Pamela Brown Maid Grand Turk Wellness Center
Adrian Ginette Coleman Maid Grand Turk Wellness Center
Leondra Harvey Maid Grand Turk Wellness Center
Kevar Forbes Maid Grand Turk Wellness Center
Charite Pierre Maid South Caicos Wellness Center
Arimilda Higgs Maid South Caicos Wellness Center
Orvin Williams Porter Grand Turk Wellness Center
Rohan Parker Porter Grand Turk Wellness Center
Taran Handfield Porter Grand Turk Wellness Center
Lee Harvey Porter Grand Turk Wellness Center
Glenroy Wilson Porter South Caicos Wellness Center
Wendell Seymour Porter South Caicos Wellness Center