The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs is pleased to announce  a strategic and compassionate partnership with Hand Help Inc., an internationally respected charitable  organization, to deliver a comprehensive hand surgery mission in Saint Lucia from April 6 to 11, 2025.  This mission will be conducted at both the Millennium Heights Medical Complex and the St. Jude Hospital,  offering free life-changing surgical care to the people of Saint Lucia. 

The mission promises to be transformative for individuals across the island who suffer from congenital,  traumatic, or degenerative conditions affecting the hands and upper limbs. Beyond surgical intervention,  the initiative will foster capacity building among local health professionals, bridging gaps in specialist  services and strengthening the local healthcare system for long-term benefit. 

The visiting Hand Help Inc. team comprises board-certified plastic and orthopedic surgeons, pediatricians,  anesthesiologists, nurses, hand therapists, and surgical technicians, all of whom are volunteering their  expertise and bringing with them the required medical supplies and surgical equipment. 

Speaking on the far-reaching benefits of this initiative, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Belmar-George emphasized the humanitarian and developmental value of the mission. “The Hand Help Mission provides  a unique opportunity for many Saints Lucians to access highly specialized surgical care that is  otherwise not readily available on island. The services offered free of charge include the  management of congenital hand deformities, traumatic injuries, nerve palsies, burns, and elective  conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis. This mission targets children and adults  alike, ensuring that vulnerable groups are not left behind. We expect a significant number of  individuals to benefit, and in many cases, this care will be life changing,” she stated. 

In addition to providing direct patient care, medical education and on-the-ground training will be integral  components of the mission, strengthening Saint Lucia’s clinical workforce and creating sustainable benefits  well beyond the one-week initiative. 

Dr. Belmar-George further highlighted the value of collaboration and knowledge-sharing. “One of the  most impactful aspects of this mission is the clinical exchange between our local medical and  nursing teams and the visiting specialists. It will enhance our health professionals’ knowledge in  advanced surgical techniques and postoperative care for hand and upper limb conditions. This  collaborative model ensures not just improved health outcomes for patients now, but also long term improvement in the capacity of our national healthcare system,” explained Dr. Belmar-George. 

Individuals interested in being reviewed and considered for surgery must visit their nearest public health  facility including wellness Centres, Polyclinics, or Community Hospitals for registration and screening by  Monday, March 31, 2025. Private healthcare providers may refer patients using the official referral form  distributed by the office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO).

All registered patients, along with walk-ins, are required to attend a pre-surgical assessment on Sunday,  April 6, 2025, at either the Owen King EU Hospital from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, or the St. Jude Hospital  from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Patients are kindly asked to bring any relevant diagnostic results or medical  documents to support their review. 

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs urges members of the public with hand or upper  extremity concerns to take full advantage of this extraordinary opportunity. For more information or  assistance, please contact the Office of the Chief Medical Officer at (758) 486-5386.