WILLEMSTAD — The St. Elisabeth Hospital (Sehos) is holding conversations with two neurologists from Venezuela to solve the understaffing of neurologists. The first exploratory talks between the doctors, the Ministry of Public Health and Sehos were held this morning. The shortage of neurologists is acute. As from today, the island has only one neurologist, which is not sufficient for a population of 149,000.Neurologist Roberto Rico recently sent a third pressing letter on the vicissitudes round neurological care. According to Rico, the neurological care in Sehos and on the island can no longer be guaranteed. His colleague Hernandez returned to his native country today. He’d only been able to endure six months on the island. Therefore, all patients with neurological disorders are dependent on Rico and his doctor-assistant at Sehos. This is not without risk, according to Rico. In his letter, he subsequently states neurological care is no longer available for the people. “This also applies to emergency neurology; after all, asking us to provide this care on a 24/7 basis is not without risk”, said Rico.

The hospital and the Ministry had not taken any concrete action, after his last letter in December, said Rico, who will close his practice on Sta. Rosaweg on February 15^th and work from Sehos. The conversations on this matter are still in an early stage. Although the Minister of Public Health Jacinta Constancia announced that three neurologists from Venezuela would be engaged, he hasn’t heard anything about his future colleagues.

Requirements

The neurologist argues for at least two extra neurologists on the island. These medical specialists are to speak the English language, possess a registration for clinical neurophysiology (KNF) and have experience in emergency neurology. Furthermore, two doctor-assistants are to supplement the current number. They should be prepared to stay on the island for a long period. Rico further argues for an active policy to recruit potential substitutes from The Netherlands.

The Ministry of Public Health invited two neurologists through the Venezuelan Caribbean Medical Center. Sector director Public Health, Sirving Keli confirms that the two neurologists will hold a conversation this afternoon with the Sehos-management and the representative of the study group neurology. Another two candidates will be on the island next week. Before the candidates are invited for exploratory talks, the Ministry verifies their diplomas. The Ministry further expects the candidates to be fluent in the English language as this will be the official language with the specialists working at the hospital. Moreover, the neurologists are to have a registration for KNF. The tasks at Sehos consist of clinical and outpatient neurology, KNF treatments and first aid services.

The next phase consists of the official admission to the hospital. Within the framework of the Integrated Medical Specialists’ Company, the new medical specialists are to work for the hospital. An internal Sehos-committee determines whether the neurologist will be passed or not. At the moment, medical specialists have the freedom of establishment, but to work at Sehos, they must first pass the admission committee.