In this episode of Healthcare Today, we welcome Dr. Pradip Thakker, HSA Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Cardiologist, who brings dual expertise in paediatrics and paediatric cardiology to the Health Services Authority (HSA).

We discuss:

❤️ Why having a paediatric cardiologist on-island is vital in early diagnosis and treatment

👶 Common signs of heart issues in children and when to seek help

🏥 How HSA’s Paediatric unit works together to support children and families

🌍 Reducing the need for overseas referrals and creating better continuity of care

🔍 The importance of early screening and plans for community outreach

You’ll also hear from Dr. Karen Stewart, Nurse Layla, and Nurse Shawnette on how this service expansion strengthens Cayman’s paediatric care from the hospital to the home.

To book an appointment or learn more about paediatric cardiology at HSA, visit www.hsa.ky or call 949-8600.

When a hurricane is heading for the Cayman Islands, the Health Services Authority (HSA) plays a critical role, but not as a public shelter.

In this episode of Healthcare Today, we sit down with HSA’s emergency preparedness team to break down exactly how to prepare for storms if you or a loved one has medical needs.

🔗 Visit ⁠www.hsa.ky/hsa-prepared⁠ or call 949-8600 for more hurricane prep resources.

#CaymanPrepared #HurricaneSeason #HSACaymanIslands #HSAPrepared #HealthcareTodayWithHSA

The Health Services Authority has launched a full-time Pulmonology service for lung health and respiratory care in the Cayman Islands.

In this episode of Healthcare Today, we speak with Dr. Deepak Muthreja, HSA’s new full-time consultant pulmonologist, and Dr Karen Stewart, Director of Nursing, about how local patients can now access faster diagnoses, advanced procedures, and consistent follow-up care without leaving Cayman.

Learn about:🩺 Common conditions like asthma, COPD, sleep apnea & lung cancer

🔍 Life-saving early detection and screenings

⚕️ Advanced procedures including bronchoscopy, pulmonary rehab and function testing, and more

Whether you’re dealing with chronic breathing issues or simply want to protect your lung health, this episode offers expert advice, practical tips, and an inside scoop at the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority

📞 Visit www.hsa.ky or call 949-8600 to learn more or book an appointment.

This EMS Week, we’re taking you inside the fast-paced world of Emergency Medical Services in the Cayman Islands, as we sit down with David Jayse Wilson, Deputy EMS Manager, and Michael Blackburn, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) at the HSA.

From 911 calls to critical care in motion, this episode unpacks what happens when every second counts.

We sit down with members of HSA’s EMS team to explore:

✅ What prehospital care looks like, and why it’s lifesaving

✅ How EMS professionals stay calm in chaos and make split-second decisions

✅ The tech tools transforming patient care in the field

✅ Why your house number could save your life during an emergency

✅ What you need to know before hurricane season hits

✅ How you can prepare, support, and even join Cayman’s EMS

Whether you're a healthcare worker, caregiver, or just want to be better prepared in an emergency, this one’s for you.

🚑 Learn more about EMS careers and services at www.hsa.ky.

#EMSWeek #CaymanEMS #HealthcareHeroes #HSACayman #EmergencyPreparedness #EverySecondCounts

What does it take to save a life? Sometimes, just an hour of your time and one donation of blood.

In this special World Blood Donor Day episode, we’re joined by Kristine Miranda and Michael Parchment, Medical Technologists at HSA’s Blood Bank, to talk about the true impact of giving blood, how innovations like the new Mobile Blood Bank and local platelet donations are transforming care.

We cover:

🩸 Who can donate and what to expect

🚑 Why every drop counts, especially in emergencies and cancer care

🧬 The impact of policy changes 

🏥 How one pint of blood can save up to three lives

Whether you’ve donated before or are thinking about it for the first time, this episode is your invitation to join something life-changing and lifesaving.

Book an appointment, visit www.bloodbank.ky

#WorldBloodDonorDay #GiveBloodGiveHope #CaymanBloodBank #HSAHealthcareToday 

When you think about healthcare, you might only think about doctors, nurses, and appointments.

But behind every visit is a team focused on how you feel while you’re here, and that’s where the Patient Experience Team comes in.

In this episode, we sit down with members of the HSA Patient Experience Team, Nia Prendergast, Vanessa Ebanks, and Kashieka Bowen to talk about the work they do every day to make healthcare more human.

From helping patients feel less overwhelmed to supporting families during tough moments, this team is here to listen, guide, and advocate.

We talk about:

🧭 What Patient Experience means

💬 How they help with everything from navigating forms to managing complaints with empathy

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Stories of quiet impact during difficult moments

🏥 How they support vulnerable groups, from seniors to non-English speakers

 This one’s all about the heart of healthcare and the people making sure no one feels alone in it.

 #HealthcareToday #HSAExperience #CaymanCare #PatientFirst #TeamHSA

Finding Your Voice: How Speech Therapy Transforms Lives in Cayman | HealthcareToday with HSA

In celebration of Better Hearing and Speech Month 2025, we’re shining a light on the vital role of communication in our health, relationships, and emotional well-being.

Join us for a heartfelt and informative conversation with Faith Gaeley, Team Lead of the HSA Speech Therapy Team, as we explore this year’s theme: “Connecting Through Communication.”

In this episode, we dive into:

✅ What speech and language therapy is, and who it helps
✅ Early warning signs in children and the power of early intervention
✅ How speech therapists support stroke survivors, people with autism, and those with swallowing disorders
✅ Breakthrough therapies including AAC, feeding support, and neurological rehab groups

Whether you're a parent, educator, healthcare provider, or someone seeking support, this episode offers expert insight and local resources to help you or your loved ones communicate with confidence.

🗣️ Because everyone deserves to be heard.

🔗 Learn more or make an appointment at www.hsa.ky or call (345) 244-7675 / 244-2730.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Dr. Linden Swan, Consultant Paediatrician at the Health Services Authority (HSA), to unpack some of the most pressing childhood health concerns affecting families in the Cayman Islands today.

From the rise in childhood obesity and asthma to the increasing awareness of behavioural conditions like ADHD and autism, we explore what’s behind these trends and what parents can do to support their children’s health and wellbeing.

You’ll learn:

✅ Practical strategies for managing childhood weight and nutrition

✅ How to spot signs of asthma, allergies, or behavioural differences early

✅ Why early intervention is crucial, and how to access support in Cayman

✅ How Cayman’s climate and environment impact children’s respiratory health

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this episode offers expert insight, local relevance, and real-world advice to help you navigate your child’s health journey with confidence.

🔗 For more information, visit www.hsa.ky or call 949-8600.

2025 Autism & Neurodevelopment Symposium Cayman | Healthcare Today with HSA

In this special episode of Healthcare Today with HSA for National Autism Month, we highlight autism and neurodiversity in the Cayman Islands, breaking down myths, elevating voices, and exploring the road from awareness to full inclusion.

Join us as we speak with experts and advocates leading the charge, including:

🎙️ Ally Olarou, Director, Autism Cayman
🎙️ Denise Renae-Williams, Principal, Lighthouse School
🎙️ Dr. Stenette Davis, Consultant Psychiatrist, HSA

Together, we discuss:

✔️ What autism really is and the myths we need to leave behind
✔️ How inclusive education, employment, and healthcare make a difference
✔️ Highlights from the 2025 Autism & Neurodevelopment Symposium
✔️ How Autism Cayman is creating lasting change across the islands

Whether you’re a parent, educator, healthcare provider, or an ally ,this episode offers valuable insights into how we can all play a role in building a more supportive, inclusive Cayman.

Learn more, visit autism.ky/symposium2025Explore HSA's Medical Services, visit hsa.ky

Measles Awareness & Primary Healthcare in Cayman | Healthcare Today with HSA

In this urgent and informative episode, we spotlight the Public Health Department’s inaugural Primary Healthcare Awareness Day—and tackle the growing global concern over measles outbreaks, including confirmed cases in the United States.

With vaccine hesitancy on the rise and preventable diseases making a comeback, now is the time to take action.

Guests:🎙️ Therese Burrell-Prehay – Health Promotion Officer, Public Health Department🎙️ Joanna Rose-Wright – Senior Nursing Officer, Primary Health Care Services🎙️ Angela Graham – Public Health NurseWe explore:

✔️ Why measles is more than just a rash, and how to recognize early symptoms✔️ How the MMR vaccine protects both individuals and the community✔️ The importance of checking your vaccination status—even as an adult
✔️ How to talk about vaccines with compassion and evidence-based facts
✔️ What sets Primary Healthcare Awareness Day apart from a typical health fair
✔️ Free screenings, education, and ongoing support available for residents

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or community member, this episode empowers you with the facts to protect your health and your family's future.

🔗 Learn more at www.hsa.ky or call the Public Health Department at 949-8600.

Stay protected. Stay informed. Get involved.