🏥 Cayman Islands may face hospital bed shortage

Health Minister Sabrina Turner recently addressed the Cayman Islands parliament regarding the availability of inpatient hospital beds across the country. Turner stated that there are currently 226 beds in public and private facilities, a number that does not match the total of 244 when broken down by individual hospitals. The minister also mentioned the upcoming addition of 53 beds at the new Health City hospital at Camana Bay and 11 more at the government hospital in George Town by the end of next year. 🏨

Turner referred to the World Health Organization's (WHO) benchmark ratio of 3.4 hospital beds per thousand people, indicating that the Cayman Islands, with a population of 83,000, would require 282.2 beds. However, this population figure is contested, with the official number as of October last year being close to 85,000 and likely exceeding 90,000 now due to annual growth. Some suggest the actual population is closer to 100,000, implying a need for around 340 beds. If Turner's figure of 226 beds is accurate, even with the forthcoming 64 beds, the Cayman Islands would still be short by 50 beds. 📈

Another factor impacting bed availability is the number of overnight visitors and cruise passengers, who may require medical assistance. Turner stressed that other factors, such as the relative health of the population and the country's healthcare system, also affect the demand for beds. Despite anecdotal reports of families struggling to get timely care due to staff and bed shortages, Turner assured that no one is being denied care due to a lack of beds. 🛏️