Training on the set-up of the field hospital began on 7 October 2026 at the NEMA compound and runs through 9 October 2026. The exercise follows up on the earlier set-up in October 2021, when the two 40-bed field hospitals donated by the United States Government, one for St. Kitts and one for Nevis, were first assembled. The IBHS Disaster Management Team is working alongside the SKN Defence Force, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Public Works Department (PWD).
The Field Hospital
The field hospital is fully equipped with 40 beds, divider curtains, bathroom facilities, lighting, air conditioning and a generator. The 40 beds are distributed among the four wards of the field hospital set-up. It also has linen packages of pillows, fitted sheets, flat sheets, pillowcases and blankets.
Training Facilitation
The sessions are led by lead facilitator Mr. Allister Thompson of Public Works, Nevis, who is guiding participants through the full set-up sequence: unpacking the shelter components, assembling the flooring panels, raising the tent structure and handling the equipment cases and lighting systems.
IBHS Disaster Management Team
The IBHS Disaster Management Team is led by Mrs. Lindsey Maynard, Director of Operations, alongside Ms. Stacey Battice, Operations Manager and lead of the Disaster Management Team. The team comprises:
- Nurse Manager Gilmer Richardson, who leads the nursing cohort
- Two nurse representatives
- Three orderlies
- Three administrative officers
- Maintenance staff from JNF General Hospital
Statements
Mrs. Lindsey Maynard, Director of Operations, Institutions-Based Health Services (IBHS), who leads the IBHS team, said:
“Readiness is built through practice. This training ensures that our teams and partner agencies can deploy the field hospital quickly and work together seamlessly when it matters most. I thank Mr. Thompson and all our partners for their commitment to strengthening the nation’s health emergency response.”
Mr. Livingston Pemberton, National Disaster Coordinator, said:
“Hands-on training with our stakeholders builds the confidence and coordination needed to respond effectively in an emergency. The collaboration among the Defence Force, NEMA, Public Works and the health sector is critical to national preparedness.”
The training continues through Friday, 9 October 2026.
