QEH Embarks on Major Technological Transformation to Strengthen Healthcare Delivery

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has commenced a major modernisation of its medical and information technology systems with the arrival of the first shipment of new equipment.

The initiative forms part of a €60 million (BDS $138 million) loan agreement between the Government of Barbados and the European Investment Bank (EIB), implemented through the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The investment represents a critical step toward enhancing hospital operations, improving efficiency, and expanding access to quality healthcare.

Chief Executive Officer of the QEH, Mr. Neil Clark, described the upgrade as “the biggest change the public will see to the healthcare system since it was built.”

“This first batch includes hundreds of pieces of new ICT and medical equipment – computers, tablets, and diagnostic monitors,” Mr. Clark noted. “It’s not glamorous equipment, but it’s technology that keeps a modern hospital running.”

The upgrades will support the establishment of a fully integrated health information system, enabling clinicians to securely access and update patients’ digital medical records. This advancement will streamline hospital processes, strengthen clinical decision-making, and connect all areas of care — from the Accident and Emergency Department to outpatient clinics.

Partnership and Progress

Deputy Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at UNOPS, Mr. Giuseppe Mancinelli, commended the collaboration, describing the delivery as tangible progress in strengthening national healthcare infrastructure and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mr. Mancinelli confirmed that a second shipment of equipment — including advanced surgical tools, medical furniture, new servers, and display systems — is currently in the procurement phase and expected to arrive in the coming months.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Mr. Wayne Marshall, highlighted that the new equipment, valued at approximately US $736,000, represents one component of the broader transformation programme supported by the EIB loan.

Investing in the Future of Healthcare

Mr. Clark also outlined several other initiatives currently underway as part of the hospital’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, which emphasises people, partnerships, and innovation. These include:

• The commissioning of a linear accelerator to expand cancer treatment options.

• The procurement of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner to reduce waiting times.

• Ongoing upgrades to the Rehabilitation Centre to improve patient outcomes.

Looking ahead, Mr. Clark referenced the upcoming Enmore Development, a $400 million investment that will establish a comprehensive cancer centre, modern laboratories, and expanded patient care facilities.

As the Queen Elizabeth Hospital continues this transformative journey, these investments reaffirm the Government of Barbados’ commitment to building a resilient, technologically advanced, and patient-centred healthcare system. The QEH remains dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and service excellence— ensuring that every Barbadian can access high-quality care in a modern, connected environment.