Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre to Launch Sickle Cell Care Unit
By Cory Wayland
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.
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.

About the author
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.
Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.
More from Antigua and Barbuda
View section
Emergency Response Teams to Stage Mass Casualty Drill at Scotts Hill Ahead of CHOGM
Emergency personnel will simulate a serious vehicle crash to test hospital readiness, while a separate evacuation exercise is planned for the CHOGM opening ceremony venue.
By Cory Wayland
Karim Edwards’ Trial Over Fatal Friars Hill Road Crash Postponed Until December
More than four years after the collision that claimed the life of medical student Kenneth Mathew and left Priyanjana Das with life-altering injuries, the accused driver is still awaiting trial.
By Cory Wayland
Jury Rejects Self-Defence Claim And Finds Kareem Simon Guilty Of Dennis Edwards’ Murder
Jury rejects Simon’s self-defence claim after video footage reveals details of the fatal confrontation on Lower All Saints Road.
By Cory Wayland
Tourism Ministry and ABTA Working with Bert Kirchner on Proposed Louis Tomlinson Campaign
Minister Michael Freeland has held talks on the project, which aims to turn international exposure into visitor interest and bookings.
By Shermain Bique-Charles

Comments (7)
Removed June 30, 2025, 6:07 PM
Rochelle June 30, 2025, 6:34 PM
Apex Jones June 30, 2025, 7:34 PM
Informed citizen June 30, 2025, 8:05 PM
Believer June 30, 2025, 9:00 PM
Cats June 30, 2025, 10:48 PM
Terry June 30, 2025, 10:50 PM