New QEH Board Commits to Strengthening Healthcare Delivery

Bridgetown, Barbados – The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has officially welcomed its newly appointed Board of Directors, which has pledged to work collaboratively to enhance healthcare delivery and strengthen public confidence in Barbados’ premier healthcare institution.

The Board recently convened for its inaugural meeting with the Minister of Health and Wellness, Senator the Hon. Lisa Cummins, who outlined the Government’s priorities and expectations for the hospital’s continued transformation.

Leading the Board is Mr. Paul Ashby, an accomplished Barbadian business executive and Chief Executive Officer of SigniaGlobe Financial Group Inc. With decades of experience in banking, financial services, corporate governance and strategic leadership, Mr. Ashby brings a wealth of expertise to the role. Serving as Deputy Chairman is Mr. Paul Inniss, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Sagicor Life Barbados Operations.

Speaking following the Board’s first meeting, Chairman Paul Ashby acknowledged the significant responsibility ahead but expressed confidence in the collective expertise of the new Board.

“We are no strangers to project management and taking on difficult tasks. We don’t think we’ll fix it all in one go, but we’ll take it step by step.”

Mr. Ashby emphasized that the Board’s focus will remain firmly on supporting the hospital’s staff and improving the patient experience.

“We have a fantastic hospital, with good doctors, nurses, all the way through to cooks and security, and we intend to ensure they have a good environment to serve the Barbadian public.”

Minister Cummins welcomed the appointment of the new Board, expressing confidence that its diverse professional expertise will support meaningful improvements in patient care and hospital operations.

“My own commitment to the country and to the people of Barbados is that together with this Board, and with our management team, we will be able to fashion our hospital—because that is what it is, our hospital—into an institution that Barbadians trust.”

The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to addressing key priorities, including improving the efficiency of emergency services, reducing surgical backlogs and delivering measurable improvements in healthcare outcomes.

The newly appointed Board comprises professionals with expertise spanning healthcare, finance, engineering, law, human resources, governance and public administration.

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Board of Directors

Mr. Paul Ashby – Chairman (Business and Finance)
Mr. Paul Inniss – Deputy Chairman (Business and Finance)
Ms. Francine Blackman – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Wellness
Dr. TMH Kenneth George – Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health and Wellness
Senator Kamisha Benjamin – Attorney-at-Law, Industrial Relations and Human Resources
Dr. Damian Cohall – Dean, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill
Dr. Harold Watson – Medicine
Dr. Adanna Grandison – Healthcare Management
Ms. Sonia Connell – Nursing
Ms. Rene Brathwaite – Pharmacy
Ms. Natasha Small – Audit and Finance
Mr. Richard Green – Industrial Relations (NUPW)
Mr. Elvin Sealy – Audit and Finance
Mr. Antonio Elcock – Engineering
Mr. George Thomas – Banking and Information Technology

The Board will work closely with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, hospital management and staff to advance the strategic priorities of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, with a shared commitment to delivering safe, efficient and patient-centred healthcare for the people of Barbados.