120 nurses are expected to arrive in Antigua and Barbuda in the coming weeks. Health officials say the move will help ease pressure on the public health system.

Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph shared the update on Tuesday. He spoke during the Governor General’s annual visit to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.

According to the minister, the hospital’s emergency department faces growing strain. The pressure, he said, highlights limits in both size and design.

This year alone, about 25,000 patients used the emergency department. That equals more than 2,000 patients each month. However, the facility was not built to handle such volume.

As a result, congestion and delays have increased. Frontline staff also face heavier workloads. Therefore, officials say action is now necessary.

“The size of the emergency department cannot accommodate this volume,” Joseph said. Consequently, policy talks will begin between the Health Ministry and hospital leaders.

These discussions will start shortly. They will focus on easing congestion and improving care delivery.

Importantly, solutions will go beyond physical expansion. Joseph said changes will also target patient flow, staffing, and overall capacity.

The arrival of 120 nurses is expected to play a key role. They will support existing staff and help improve emergency care services.

Moreover, the added nurses should reduce pressure on doctors and nurses already on duty. This support is expected to improve response times.

Further consultations are planned in the coming weeks. Authorities aim to develop a broader response to rising demand.

The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre remains the country’s main public hospital. As demand grows, officials say careful planning is essential.

Health leaders stress that improving emergency care is a priority. Therefore, staffing, policy, and operational changes are all under review.

Officials say the goal is better patient outcomes. At the same time, they want to protect the wellbeing of healthcare workers.

As talks continue, the public is assured that steps are underway. Authorities say improvements will be rolled out as plans are finalized.

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