The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

GIVEN the high volume of tourists and locals that frequent the Downtown Straw Market on a daily basis as well as the numerous vendors who set up shop there, the establishment of a nurse’s station was considered an essential move by members of the Straw Market Authority.

Last week, Deputy Prime Minister Phillip ‘Brave” Davis and other officials attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the official opening of new Fire Safety, Surveillance and Nurse’s Facilities at the Straw Market. The Straw Market Authority has also installed CCTV surveillance cameras in the market and organised a Surveillance Unit to facilitate the system.

Mr Davis said the medical station is “essential” for creating a first-class facility.

“Truly, it is a first grade facility, outfitted with basic first aid supplies, equipment and furniture required to render assistance until ambulance services arrive,” he said.

A trained clinical nurse (TCN) will be available seven days a week during operational hours of the market to provide basic services to clients including health care education and health screening services.

Paula Gibson, TCN, told Tribune Health that the Straw Market has a largely an aging vendor population, and the establishment of the nurse’s station is just one of several initiatives that seeks to reinforce the importance of good health practices.

“There was without a doubt a need for the establishment of the nurse’s station. We have a population of about 500 vendors who might have emergency needs that we can attend to promptly. We also have visitors who come to the market, who sometimes may slip and fall or have minor injuries and we can attend to before they go back to the ship or their place of abode. So that is the reason why we have the facility here. It is a necessity and it is long overdue,” she said.

“This is the starting point for immediate care, thereafter a patient will be sent to the hospital or their private physician. In the case of major emergency, we would be the first responder and then emergency medical personnel will be contacted.”

While the administering of medication will not be permitted at the nurse’s station, wound dressings, health screenings and other services will be offered, Nurse Gibson added.

“For people who want to have the their blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels monitored and have follow-up care, can do so at the facility,” she said.

Education on various health issues will be a major aspect of the nurse’s facility at the Straw Market.

The winners of the Straw Market Authority’s “Bay Street Mile” – a fun, run/walk event for the vendors, staff and general public – were also awarded during the special ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The authority, Nurse Gibson said, intends to host a number of initiatives like the “Bay Street Mile” that will encourage people to take an proactive approach when it comes to their health.