Queen Elizabeth Hospital Celebrates 61 Years of Service and Transformation

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) proudly marked its 61^st Anniversary with a symbolic Cake Cutting Ceremony, commemorating more than six decades of dedicated service to the people of Barbados, the region, and beyond.

The event began with a prayer of thanksgiving delivered by Chaplain Canon Noel Burke, setting a reflective tone for the celebration. Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Neil Clarke, then addressed staff and guests, offering an insightful update on the hospital’s ongoing transformation under the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan.

Mr. Clarke highlighted several historic developments designed to enhance patient care, modernise operations, and strengthen the institution’s role as the region’s premier acute care hospital. These include:

The Enmore Development Project, a major expansion valued at $390 million, which will significantly increase capacity and improve the delivery of specialised services.

Capital investments of $130 million in new equipment, ensuring clinicians have access to the latest technology to support world-class care.

Approval for an estimated 300 new staff, reflecting the hospital’s commitment to strengthening its workforce and supporting its teams.

He encouraged all employees to continue working collaboratively as the QEH enters this transformative period, emphasising that the success of the hospital’s strategic vision relies on unity, innovation, and dedication across every department.

This year’s ceremonial cake cutting held special significance, as it honoured both the legacy and the future of the institution. Sharing the moment with the CEO were:

Ms. Josette Holder, Rehabilitative Therapy Technician in the Department of Rehabilitative Services, who retires next month after 35 years of exemplary service; and

Ms. J’sha Alleyne, a newly appointed Medical Records Clerk who has been with the hospital for just under one month.

Their participation symbolised the continuum of service at the QEH—from the invaluable contributions of longstanding staff to the fresh perspectives of new team members.

As the QEH celebrates 61 years of caring for the nation, the hospital remains steadfast in its mission to deliver compassionate, high-quality healthcare and to build a stronger, more resilient health system for generations to come.