Philipsburg:--- Members of Parliament representing the Democratic Party Faction in Parliament Petrus Leroy De Weever and Roy Marlin met with the Prime Minister of St. Maarten Sarah Wescot Williams and the Minister of Health Cornelius de Weever in a emergency meeting on Friday morning to discuss the state of affairs at the St. Maarten Medical Center.
In an invited comment, Member of Parliament Petrus Leroy de Weever told SMN News that they met with the Prime Minister and Minister of Health to ensure that they get their support since they are representing their faction in the Council of Ministers.
The two Members of Parliament have requested a permanent committee meeting to discuss the draft report that was presented to the Council of Ministers on the state of affairs at the St. Maarten Medical Center. MP De Weever said the situation at the St. Maarten Medical Center cannot continue as is and government held several meetings in past, but now he is of the opinion that government has to re-address the matter in a different way. MP De Weever said they have invited the staff of the St. Maarten Medical Center, the committee that represents doctors (professionals and specialists), and the supervisory board, including the Managing Director Dr. George Scot to the meetings that is to be held.
MP De Weever said these meetings with the various parties will be held separately. MP De Weever further explained that the Minister of Public Health Cornelius de Weever and the Inspector General Dr. Earl Best will also be invited to Parliament to appraise Parliament of the draft report which was already presented to the Minister of Health. MP De Weever said he wants Dr. Best to give the permanent committee of health his findings that he drafted in his preliminary report. "As Members of Parliament we need this information before the official report is made available. A lot of the information that we are asking for is already public knowledge because the Council of Ministers was briefed on Dr. Best's findings." MP De Weever said the permanent committee meeting will be held in a closed door session but he could not say when the meeting will be called.
Member of Parliament Roy Marlin assured that actions will be taken against the St. Maarten Medical Center. Marlin said there are several documents where people have expressed concerns on the area of Management and the Supervisory Board as well as the services given to patients in general at the St. Maarten Medical Center. MP Marlin said it cannot be business as usual any longer with St. Maarten Medical Center. Marlin further explained that even though the St. Maarten Medical Center is a "semi-government" institution, public health and the safety of the people is the responsibility of government and Parliament. Marlin said right now all stakeholders which include government and SZV will have to bring solutions to the table to improve the situation at the St. Maarten Medical Center.
Statement by the Minister of Health, Cornelius De Weever on the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC).
I was informed yesterday of two more patients who passed away in the SMMC while or after receiving surgical treatment. Seven cases have been reported by patients, family members or medical professionals and investigated by the Inspectorate of Health Care. However, the SMMC has not reported accidents and incidents with mortal consequences and/or a higher rate of complications to the Inspectorate which is mandatory.
The Council of Ministers received a briefing by the Inspectorate of Health Care who indicated that a lot needs to be corrected in short time to drastically improve the quality of care in this institution. The Inspectorate of Health Care is in the final stage of its official report on the SMMC, but based on the past events and the preliminary findings, I am strongly of the opinion that there leaves much to be desired.
Supervision by the Supervisory Council of the SMMC and daily management by the Board of Directors seem to have fallen short of their full responsibilities.
It's unacceptable to allow the healthcare provided by our only hospital to decline.
The current situation at SMMC has my full attention and will be dealt with accordingly.