The original 3-room clinic in Baptiste, Haiti was renovated in 2008 under the leadership of Drs. Hanson and Kenerson and with the collaboration of Pere Fredrick of St Jude Parish, Zanmi Lasante and the Church of the Holy Family Haiti Committee in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Staffed by a nursing assistant and providing basic immunization services and limited medical and obstetrical care, it soon outgrew it’s space in serving a population of about 40,000 in the catchment area.
2009 the Minister of Health approved preliminary plans for the construction of a new medical clinic Although the horrendous earthquake of 2010 temporarily postponed start up plans, it also brought increased clarity to the urgent need for improved healthcare access.Plans for a new clinic blossomed into reality with the convergence of several critical elements including the donation of land by a prominent Baptiste family, a generous donor’s significant contribution that kicked off the fund raising, and the commitment by the Ministry of Health and partner NGO of the Baptiste Clinic to provide logistical and medical staffing support.
In 2013 a Toyota Hilux truck was purchased for staff and patient transport.
The following year, the medical staff residence renovation was completed.
Phase I of the Baptiste Clinic was completed in the spring of 2016. Approximately 3,200 square feet in size, the prototype Baptiste Clinic includes rooms for Service d'Urgence, Minor Procedures, Delivery and Postpartum Recovery, In-patient Observation, Outpatient Physician’s Consultation and exam rooms, a dedicated Ultrasound Imaging Room, a Conference and Staff Rooms as well as an Isolation Room and a patient waiting area, storage and surgical sterilization rooms.
A security wall encloses the compound. Running water and electricity support advanced services and manicured grounds increases the attractiveness of the structure.
Phase II of the Baptiste Clinic will include expansion of in-hospital services and capabilities. The final Phase III will allow for emergency surgeries such as C/Sections and stabilization of trauma patients before transfer to a tertiary care center.
