The Ministry of Health and Wellness in partnership with Hand Help Inc., will offer free hand surgeries for children and adults, from April 6 to 11. The programme aims to provide surgical interventions for persons experiencing a range of hand and forearm-related conditions, many of which significantly affect daily life.

Dr. Sharon Belmar-George, Chief Medical Officer within the Ministry of Health, explained: “Hand Help Inc is a charitable organization that provides hand surgery care to children and adults around the globe for the last 25 years. The team is comprised of board certified and licensed medical professionals who volunteer to provide this service. They also provide all of the necessary medical supplies and surgical equipment for the mission.”

Registered persons will attend a medical review clinic on April 6, for assessment and selection. Dr. Belmar also encouraged those with hand-related conditions who are not registered, to visit the medical review clinic, as walk-ins are welcome.  

“All persons registered are required to be reviewed and scheduled by the Hand Help medical and surgical teams on Sunday April 6, at the Owen King EU Hospital from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or the St. Jude Hospital from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins will also be reviewed and scheduled,” she said. “Please walk with any diagnostic results or medical information during those visits. The local medical and surgical teams will be working alongside the visiting medical team to ensure continuation of care after the medical mission. The Ministry of Health advises the public with upper extremity or hand-related concerns to take full advantage of this opportunity.”

The Hand Help mission represents a vital opportunity to access surgical care, free of charge, and highlights the ministry’s continued commitment to improving access to specialized health care services for all citizens.

Read more: https://www.govt.lc/news/ministry-of-health-partners-to-offer-free-hand-surgeries

Watch via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCpB9Bm-Bo0

Listen to podcast: https://pod.co/government-of-saint-lucia/statement-on-the-free-hand-surgery-mission-and-registration-process