QEH Hosts Welcome Session for Antimicrobial Stewardship Engagement Week

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) earlier this week hosted a welcome session marking the start of Antimicrobial Stewardship Engagement Week, bringing together key stakeholders from across Barbados’ health sector to strengthen collaboration in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Held in the QEH Boardroom, the session brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the hospital’s leadership, universities, and several medical and professional associations. The engagement focused on the importance of partnership and coordinated action in addressing infectious diseases and preserving the effectiveness of antimicrobial medicines.

Among those in attendance were Minister of Health and Wellness, Senator Lisa Cummins, and specially invited guest Mark McIntyre, an Infectious Diseases Pharmacist at Sinai Health in Toronto and Assistant Professor at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto.

Mr. McIntyre is visiting Barbados to support ongoing efforts to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship and enhance the country’s response to antimicrobial resistance through a series of training and knowledge-sharing sessions with local healthcare professionals.

During the welcome session, Chief Executive Officer Neil Clark noted that antimicrobial resistance remains one of the most significant health challenges facing healthcare systems worldwide, underscoring the importance of strengthening stewardship practices to protect the effectiveness of life-saving medicines for future generations.

Also addressing the gathering were Infectious Diseases Consultant and Director of Clinical and Diagnostic Services, Dr. The Most Honourable Corey Forde, and Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist Deonne Jacobs, who both highlighted the importance of improving prescribing practices, strengthening surveillance, and building local capacity to respond to emerging resistance threats.

The QEH has continued to strengthen its antimicrobial stewardship efforts through investments in laboratory technology, staff training, and specialised expertise, including the establishment of Barbados’ first antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist post.

Over the course of the engagement period, Mr. McIntyre will facilitate sessions aimed at supporting clinicians and pharmacists in improving antimicrobial use and reinforcing best practices across the healthcare system.

The initiative forms part of the QEH’s ongoing commitment to quality care, patient safety, and strengthening Barbados’ response to antimicrobial resistance through collaboration at both national and regional levels.