Totally Barbados

The hospitals are supported by a string of government-run Polyclinics, largely daytime health centres for routine health ailments. The traditional public health services covered include maternal and child health, communicable disease control and dental health. There is one full-service private medical centre, the modern 24-hour Sandy Crest on the Barbados west coast and the older FMH Emergency Centre just outside of the capital, open 8am-midnight daily, except bank holidays. Sandy Crest advertises "five star" services offered by consultant-grade doctors, a large asthma bay and a well equipped children's playroom. The 600-bed Barbados Psychiatric Hospital, in the parish of St. Michael, also provides outpatient services, day care programs, specialized professional services (social work, psychology, psychotherapy, occupational therapy), and consultation services at the QEH. In addition, Barbados operates a string of government-funded Geriatric centres that provide care for the aged. The Government operates the Barbados Drug Service that controls the importation and distribution of essential drugs in the country, the objective being to ensure that Barbadians receive affordable, quality drugs and pharmaceuticals. The service provides a wide range of key drugs to senior citizens free of charge.