The Tribune

A $1.5M upgrade of St Luke’s Clinic in Staniel Cay that would expand emergency traumatic care treatment to potentially save lives got a major boost with a $250,000 donation from local residents – and it comes with a plea for other donors to step up.

“Right now, we only offer basic services. Emergency care is limited,” said nurse Jadera Rolle. “The population here has increased. In terms of the amount of people we see and the type of cases we see, it has increased, and the facilities are not enough for these people.”

Rolle said that the need for effective traumatic care was essential. The clinic is close to the water in Staniel Cay – and with boating injuries a regular sight, it provides ease of access for treatment, as well as serving the wider Exuma area. “The whole process of getting an emergency flight can be five hours and that is crucial time in increasing chances of survival. Having the capacity for traumatic care here will make a difference.”

So far, $600,000 of the total has been raised, with the latest donation of $250,000 having been provided by the Bob and Jeanne Coughlin Foundation.

“As a community member in the central Exuma area, I think having proper medical services is part of what is our responsibility to our guests, to our Bahamian employees and their families, and to the locals,” said Mr Coughlin. “Boating injuries are a major part of what they see at the clinic, and I think this upgrade is going to help tremendously to deal with that. Having something close to the water, visible and properly staffed and equipped is very important.”

Established in the early 1960s, the clinic is one of the oldest Family Island clinics in The Bahamas – but the expansion will see it transformed into a fully functional medical centre. However, any care beyond minor treatment presently requires patients to be flown 30 minutes to Nassau – often at significant cost and when every second counts.

“With the expansion of the clinic, we’ll be able to offer more specialist areas – dental care, eye care, greater traumatic care,” said Rolle.

“None of the surrounding cays have dental or eye care. It means people can access these services here and not have to fly to Nassau or to the United States, which makes it more affordable.”

Rolle added: “We have seen a greater increase in water-based injuries. What we have here is a prevalence of boating accidents. The facility we have now is not adequate to deal with that. People get cuts and bruises on tours and we have seen a lot of increased cases of those injuries. The new facility can deal with 20 people at once if there is an incident with a large vessel. I am from the area, I grew up in the area, I can attest to the change and growth. The heathcare systems need to be upgraded to provide the proper care to meet these needs.”

Planned upgrades include updated treatment rooms, a new trauma centre, enhanced urgent-care capabilities, expanded pharmacy storage and strengthened infrastructure to withstand severe weather.

The first phase, completed at a cost of $100,000, saw expansion of the existing east wing. The second phase, launched in October with an estimated cost of $1m, is aimed to be complete by October 2026 and will include laying the foundation and first-floor structure, as well as the infrastructure for the second floor and roof. It would also add housing for visiting medical professionals as well as a back-up generator and improved water and pressure systems, as well as modern communications for telehealth services. The third phase, at a cost of $400,000, would complete the project, with a target date of May 2027.

The donation by the foundation has funded critical construction phases, with the hope of encouraging further donations from the community.

“On behalf of the St Luke’s Clinic Steering Committee I would like to thank the Coughlin Foundation for this truly transformative donation to the St Luke’s Clinic project,” said committee founding member David Hocher.

“These improvements to the only community medical facility on Staniel Cay are hugely important both for the full time residents of Staniel Cay as well as the many visitors we receive each year.  With a modern, well-equipped and properly staffed clinic, made possible in large part by this contribution, the clinic’s ability to deliver both day-to-day and critical care is significantly enhanced.”

Rolle said: “I want to thank the foundation for taking the time to take a look at us and to see this is an organisation we want to invest in. I want to say thank you. I would hope that persons looking can see the work being done and the community coming together and doing their best and say hey, you know what, we want to help as well.”

The foundation supports visionary people, projects, and organisations advancing enduring approaches to youth development, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. With a growing focus on strategic impact across the United States and The Bahamas, the foundation is deepening its commitment to strengthening its communities and long-term partnerships.

As part of this evolution, the foundation has welcomed Alessandra Holowesko as its Director of Giving, The Bahamas. In this new role, Mrs. Holowesko, who previously served at the Lyford Cay Foundation, the University of The Bahamas and several schools across the country, will help drive the foundation’s philanthropic vision and grantmaking strategy with a focus on measurable, community-centered impact throughout The Bahamas.

“Following the Coughlin family’s lead, I look forward to working in close partnership with Bahamian organisations and the foundation’s leadership to champion sustainable progress—particularly within under-resourced communities in the Family Islands—while expanding the foundation’s capacity and outreach,” said Holowesko.

The St Luke’s Clinic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible charity for those looking to support the clinic’s work.