St. David’s: FREE Diabetic Clinic A Success (Part 1)

By: Roslyn A. Douglas, M.A., CC - Founder, Central Health - Grenada

Despite the intermittent rain, approximately 75 residents of St. David’s lined up for a free diabetic clinic, spearheaded by the Perdmontemps Diabetic Group of the St. David’s Branch of the Grenada Diabetes Association.  This outreach programme which took place on Saturday November 19, 2016, was organized as the group’s diabetes awareness month outreach activity, and to respond to the International Diabetes Federation’s (IDF) mandate of “promoting the importance of screening to ensure early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and treatment to reduce the risk of serious complications.”

 The St. David’s Branch of the Grenada Diabetes Association partnered with the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) chapter of St. George’s University (SGU) to conduct glucose testing, foot examination, blood pressure screenings and eye examinations. The 2016 SGU SNMA Diabetes Clinic Examination Detail, submitted to the organizers prior to the event, stated that the foot exam would entail inspecting the patients’ legs and feet for ulcers, discoloration and other abnormalities. Additionally, it would include checks for peripheral vascular disease; sensory neuropathy assessment and lower extremity reflexes. The eye testing, encompassed the use of Snellen’s Acuity Charts, and checking the patients’ eyes for range of field vision.

President for the SNMA chapter of SGU, Chibuzo Ohanaja was pleased with the free diabetic clinic event, “Through this clinic we are hoping to establish access to a primary health care prevention outlet for the Grenadian community, that can hopefully not only educate people but also save many people from developing life changing complications of diabetes.”  Vice President Gaelle Antoine was grateful for the practical experience, “After spending so many hours studying, it felt great to finally apply the knowledge accumulated over the last two years to help the Grenadian community.”

One of the two doctors from SGU responsible for supervising the 20 SNMA student doctors, and counseled patients at the end of their screening process also shared positive sentiments, “It was a thing of joy seeing students engage patients with great tenacity and empathy. One encounter left a lasting impression on me; the student actually rested the patient’s foot on his thigh and was meticulously checking for any signs of infection and injury. It was a great display of love and affection,” said Dr. Charles Chinonyerem Ihedioha (MBBS) of SGU’s School of Medicine.

Also joining the students were two interns from Quebec Canada’s McGill University.  They were requested to join the event by their host, the Grenada Diabetes Association (GDA).  Level 4 Dietetic student Rosemary Statkus found the experience educational, “I learned a great deal about the local population and culture.  That eating vegetables is difficult for many people because they are so expensive; that having a garden is quite common; that many people eat too much staples and don’t exercise enough.  This clinic would be a great experience for dietetic interns in the future.”

President for the Perdmontemps Diabetic Group Bernadine St. Bernard hopes the group can offer the clinic again next year, “I would love to do it again next year.  I found it very good.  The students were very good at reaching out to the people. Very caring,” said St. Bernard.  Public Relations Officer for Diabetic Group Mrs. Catherine Annetta George, was impressed with the McGill University interns, “A lot of people learned a lot especially after coming out of the different stations,and especially from the nutritionists.” George added,” That part was very informative.”

Along with coordination efforts provided by Central Health – Grenada, this free diabetic clinic would not have been possible without generous in-kind gifts. Donations and in-kind gifts were as follows: Communal Co-operative Credit Union - Perdmontemps Branch allowed the event to take place in their parking lot; Lancets and glucose testing strips were donated by Hills & Valley Pharmacy, Mitchell Health and Wellness Pharmacy, St. David’s Pharmacy, and True Blue Pharmacy; Medical supplies were provided by Gabriel’s Pharmacy; Aqua Natural Limited a company that believes due to their rigorous purification process their water is ideal for patients with chronic diseases donated 120 bottles of water; Bryden & Minors provided free printing of promotional material; St. Dominic’s Roman Catholic Church loaned organizers tables and chairs; Annett Antoine ensured crowd control and also provided table cloths; SGU erected a tent to cover the tables; Dr. Ogboghodo Osaruonamen Augustine, the second physician present supervised the SNMA students; Natallia Gurenko Level 4 Dietetics Student of McGill University, provided nutritional advice to the patients; and volunteer Mrs. Barbara Brathwaite of the Grenada National Patient Kidney Foundation (GNPKF) assisted with the patient check out process.

It is the goal of the St. David’s Branch of the Grenada Diabetes Association to repeat the programme in November 2017. Before the end of the year the organizers and the SNMA’s Executive plan to meet to discuss lessons learned from the event.  One major decision made already for the 2017 event will be to locate an enclosed facility within the parish.  This has proven to be necessary as this year’s intermitted showers of rain became problematic for everyone under the tent and those standing in line. 

Part II of this article will highlight the data gathered from the intake forms submitted by the attendees.