SMMC and Jehovah’s Witnesses Representatives

After a brief presentation on care protocols for patients who are Jehovah’s Witnesses by Mr. Steve Morris, Mr. Jesse Fortuna, and Mr. Keith Romeo, an open discussion between hospital staff and JW representatives touched on the importance of collaboration between care providers and patients to map out a patient’s care plan, especially if this includes care guidelines due to personal beliefs. This includes having an Advanced Directive, a legally binding document that patients create before receiving care that outlines their wishes pertaining to care and designates a medical representative if they are not able to represent themselves.

“It was important for us to host this lecture because it is part of a larger conversation on patients’ rights when seeking or receiving medical care. As physicians and healthcare providers at SMMC, we strive to provide patient-centered care that relies heavily on upholding patients’ rights,” said Dr. Emiko Bird-Lake, Cardiologist and Chair of SMMC’s Medical Ethics Committee.

SMMC’s patient-centered approach to care is one that is aligned with most medical providers today. It is also an important component in SMMC’s Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation trajectory that sees the hospital working towards securing JCI accreditation shortly after the move to the new St. Maarten General Hospital (SMGH).

“This type of care empowers patients through education and information to make informed decisions and play an active role in their care,” stated Dr. Bird-Lake. “Evidence-based research has shown that patients who receive patient-centered care have higher rates of compliance and better patient outcomes than those who do not. Ultimately, the goal is to provide care that not only diagnoses or treats but is in the best interest of the patient, and that includes respecting their preferences and wishes.”

When receiving care at SMMC, all patients have rights that are consistent with local laws and established ethical principles within the medical field. This includes but is not limited to the right to considerate, respectful, and dignified care given by competent personnel in accordance with personal values and beliefs. The consideration of privacy concerning medical care, the right to refuse information, medication, care, treatment or procedure (to the extent permitted by law), the right to receive clear and complete information in layman’s terms, and the right to file complaints with the hospital about care or other concerns are also rights of all patients.

The exhaustive list of patient’s rights and responsibilities can be found on SMMC’s website: https://smmc.sx/Patient-Care/Patient-Rights-and-Responsibilities.

SMMC thanks the Hospital Liaison Committee of Jehovah’s Witnesses and its Medical Ethics Committee for organizing the lecture and looks forward to continuing to provide patient-centered care close to home.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Progress continues on the Asphalt Resurfacing Project 2023-2024, with work crews now mobilizing onto Walter Nisbeth Road. The latest phase of this infrastructure initiative commenced yesterday, April 2nd, 2025, with the milling of the existing asphalt surface, marking the first step towards delivering a renewed roadway.

Scheduled nightly road closures are necessary to ensure the safety of work crews and the public and facilitate the efficient execution of the resurfacing work.

Effective tonight, April 3rd, 2025, Walter Nisbeth Road will be closed to all vehicular traffic each night for approximately two weeks from 8:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. This nightly closure impacts the segment of Walter Nisbeth Road between the Percy Labega Street intersection and the Tamarind Steeg intersection.

The initial milling process involves removing the top layer of the old, worn asphalt. This step is crucial for preparing a proper foundation for the new asphalt layer, ensuring better adhesion and a longer lifespan for the renovated road surface.

Residents and motorists are strongly advised to be aware of these nightly closures and to plan their travel accordingly. Access through the specified section of Walter Nisbeth Road will not be possible during the closure hours (8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.).

Details Detour:

 Traveling East (towards Point Blanche/Boardwalk/Emancipation Monument):

• If approaching from Bush Road, instead of turning right onto Walter Nisbeth Road at the main intersection, drivers will need to continue left onto Cannegieter Street.
• Follow Cannegieter Street through Philipsburg. This street runs parallel to Walter Nisbeth Road.
• You can rejoin Walter Nisbeth Road after passing the Tamarind Steeg intersection area or continue towards the Emancipation Monument roundabout depending on your destination.

Traveling West (towards Bush Road/Simpson Bay):

• If approaching from the Emancipation Monument roundabout or central Philipsburg, drivers will be unable to use the closed section of Walter Nisbeth Road.
• They should utilize Cannegieter Street heading west.
• Follow Cannegieter Street until reaching the intersection near the old Van Dorp/GEBE, where commuter can then continue towards Bush Road.

Key Details Road Closure:

Date and Time: April 3^rd, 2025 from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.

Location: Walter Nisbeth Road between the Percy Labega Street intersection and the Tamarind Steeg intersection

Type of Closure: Full Road Closure

Detour: Cannegieter Street

This phase of the Asphalt Resurfacing Project underscores the ongoing commitment to maintaining and upgrading Sint Maarten’s road network infrastructure. Walter Nisbeth Road serves as a key artery, and these improvements are essential for supporting daily commutes and economic activity.

The patience and cooperation of the public are greatly appreciated as this important roadwork is carried out. Further updates regarding the project's schedule and progress will be communicated as they become available. Please be reminded that Emergency vehicles have the right away.

For more information please contact publicworks-vromi@sintmaartengov.org, or call us at 542-4292 ext 2390.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Sint Maarten Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labor, is calling on the community, particularly parents and guardians, daycare centers, playschools, and primary school communities, to continue to take preventive measures to mitigate Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD).

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in its latest epidemiological alert for HFMD, called on Member States to strengthen the prevention and control, especially in children, due to their high vulnerability and the risk of serious complications in the central nervous system.

HFMD is a common but very contagious viral illness that usually affects infants and children five years of age or younger. It can sometimes occur in adults. There is no vaccine to protect against the viruses that cause hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Symptoms of HFMD include fever, sore throat, mouth sores, and a skin rash commonly on the hands and feet. Sometimes, the rash can develop into painful blisters. Most children may have mild symptoms for seven to 10 days.

HFMD is spread from person to person through nose and throat secretions (such as saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus), blister fluid, or stool of infected persons. When handling secretions, it is advisable to take the necessary preventive measures, such as wearing gloves and washing your hands afterward.

People with symptoms should consult their house doctor and take necessary preventive measures to mitigate an increase in cases.

To lower your risk of being infected with HFMD, wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after changing diapers and using the toilet, disinfecting dirty surfaces and soiled items, including toys. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Wash items with soap and water and then disinfect them with a solution of chlorine bleach; and avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, thumb-sucking, nail-chewing, or sharing eating utensils or cups with infected persons.

Daycare centers and pre-schools can take a number of preventative measures, such as wiping down surfaces. All toys and surfaces are wiped down after playtime, washed, and disinfected.

Daycare centers should use disposable gloves and have protocols for sanitizing hands and changing areas from one child to the next.

Parents/guardians who have a child exhibiting any symptoms of HFMD and who have an appointment with the Baby Wellness Clinic are hereby requested to call (721) 542-3003 or (721) 520-4163 to reschedule their child's appointment.

HFMD is not the same as foot and mouth disease, which affects cattle, sheep, and pigs. The two infections are unrelated, and you cannot catch hand, foot, and mouth diseases from animals.

For more information, call CPS at 914 or email youthhealthcare@sintmaartengov.org