Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre to Launch Sickle Cell Care Unit

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Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre to Launch Sickle Cell Care Unit

The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre is moving forward with plans to enhance services for individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease, establishing a specialised treatment unit and launching a national registration drive.

This was disclosed by Minister of Health, Wellness, and the Environment, Sir Molwyn Joseph, who confirmed that a designated space at the Infectious Disease Centre (IDC), located at the former Holberton Hospital compound, has been marked to house the new unit.

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This new unit will be fully managed and staffed by the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre and will focus on the delivery of comprehensive, patient-centered care for individuals managing the inherited blood disorder. The initiative forms part of the Centre’s ongoing efforts to expand its healthcare offerings and address the needs of patients with chronic conditions.

To complement these services, the Centre will also launch a national registration drive for all sickle cell patients in Antigua and Barbuda, with the aim of developing a comprehensive patient database to improve long-term care, treatment access, and resource planning.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/06/30/sir-lester-bird-medical-centre-to-launch-sickle-cell-care-unit. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Cory Wayland

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Cory Wayland is the Social Media Co-ordinator at Antigua.News, where he manages digital content strategy, audience engagement, and real-time news publications across social platforms. With a keen eye for trending topics and a commitment to factual storytelling, Cory plays a key role in shaping the online voice of Antigua.News.

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Comments (7)

  • Removed June 30, 2025, 6:07 PM

    For the sicklers that aren’t able to travel for their health, this is a great step in the right direction for their care and treatment.
    Reply
  • Rochelle June 30, 2025, 6:34 PM

    A national registration plan is all fair and well but some basic medicines for patients with these diseases are missing in the Caribbean and even in Antigua. Let’s hope that we see improvements soon.
    Reply
  • Apex Jones June 30, 2025, 7:34 PM

    This is a step in the right direction. lets keep improving
    Reply
  • Informed citizen June 30, 2025, 8:05 PM

    Oh my goodness, this is such incredibly welcome news! A dedicated Sickle Cell Care Unit at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre this is going to change so many lives for the better. We know how much people with sickle cell disease suffer, and how critical it is to have specialized, consistent care. This isn’t just about treatment; it’s about dignity, about reducing pain, and truly giving hope to individuals and their families.
    Reply
  • Believer June 30, 2025, 9:00 PM

    When the lord returns all sickness will be washed away. Sicklecells and all
    Reply
  • Cats June 30, 2025, 10:48 PM

    SLBMC? We talking about the short staffed hospital on the hil?
    Reply
  • Terry June 30, 2025, 10:50 PM

    Great things like these! Let’s see the out plan
    Reply

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