Island Girl wrote:
West Indian - (and others who are interested and wondering why Saba isn't equipped w/ proper medivac helicopter etc): The latest and greatest idea (prior to accident) is a proposal, from the Dutch government in an effort to manage costs when the the Neth Antilles is dissolved, is that ALL patients will be transported to SXM by boat, i.e. no hospital beds on SAB anymore. I hope that the elected officials will politely suggest that that is not the best idea, since just like with air transport, sea transport isn't always possible. So rather than the situation getting better, it may actually get worse (unless people start demanding otherwise).
Someone also asked why the police helicopter didn't perform this mission - honestly I'm not sure, but it had the same risks: it's also an R-44.
I asked the Island Health Care person today about this and she said she's not heard that, even on 'the road'. She's heard they intend to expand the current 12 bed hospital considerably.
The Dutch are here in force and certainly making their presence known, but hopefully not closing the hospital. Republic of Saba - has a nice ring to it....