Call for expansion of intensive care units to better help patients with Zika related illness

11:55 am, Fri July 29, 2016

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Delano Franklyn, speaking with RJR's Earl Moxam about his experience with Guillain-Barre Syndrome

In light of the emergence of several suspected cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in Jamaica, an appeal is being made for the authorities to increase intensive care services in public hospitals.

GBS, a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks a part of the nervous system, has been linked to the spread of the Zika Virus.

Dr. Myrton Smith, President of the Medical Association of Jamaica (MAJ) believes the expansion of intensive care services will better enable healthcare workers to treat patients.

"I am hoping that this is something that the ministry is taking into consideration, in terms of increasing the number of ICU beds. I understand the minister is getting specialist nurses to increase the cadre that we have here in Jamaica currently, and I think this is an attempt to do that," Dr. Smith told RJR News, on Thursday night.

Dr. Smith outlined possible treatments for persons diagnosed with GBS, but said many of these medicines may be costly, especially for those whose condition is severe.

"One of the types of treatments that can be done, basically is to flush some of the antibodies out of the system, (but it) can be quite expensive. Most of the patients however, get away with conservative treatment, depending on how bad they are," he said.

Dalley

In response, Horace Dalley, Opposition Spokesman on Health, has voiced his support of the call by the MAJ president, for the authorities to increase intensive care services in public hospitals.

Speaking with RJR News on Friday morning, Mr. Dalley said, while it will be costly, the government should focus some of its attention on improving ICU services.

"You have to invest in creating some more ICU beds in Cornwall Regional, in (Savanna La Mar Hospital), at KPH (Kingston Public Hospital), and at the University Hospital," he said.

According to Mr. Dalley, although it is expensive to train ICU nurses and to have people monitor these intensive care units, the government must decide to make the investment in order to resolve the problem facing the country.

He suggested the Health Ministry assemble a special team to track the increase in suspected cases of GBS. But, in the short term, he said the ministry should identify funds to order medication needed to treat the illness.

Franklyn

Prominent attorney, Delano Franklyn, who was recently diagnosed with GBS, shared his experience with RJR News, explaining that he was unable to do anything for himself, including brushing his teeth, combing his hair or putting on his clothes.

Mr. Franklyn has made significant progress in the 26 days he has spent in hospital, so far, with physical therapy being a key element of his treatment.

He noted, however, that the treatment is extremely expensive, and in his case, required 40 bottles of the prescribed drug, at $85,000 per bottle, a total cost of J$3.4 million.