— research presented at Bethune Round Table examines over 5,000 cases, highlights need for stronger emergency, surgical care
MOTOR vehicle crashes were the leading cause of trauma-related deaths among patients admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) between 2018 and 2022, according to research presented at the Bethune Round Table, 2026.
The study, which examined more than 5,000 trauma admissions, also found that burns had the highest proportion of deaths among the injury categories studied, at 11.4 per cent.
The findings were presented on the second day of the international conference, where healthcare professionals, researchers and policymakers examined ways to strengthen injury prevention, emergency response, patient safety and specialised surgical services.
According to information released by the GPHC, the research was presented by Dr Alexander Harvey, Director of the Institute of Health Sciences Education, and Dr Dwayne Kellman, a consultant in the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department.
Their study examined the causes of serious injuries and factors associated with deaths among patients admitted for trauma.
Falls were also identified as a significant contributor to serious injuries, while age, injury severity, injury type and ethnicity were found to be associated with the likelihood of death following trauma.
Although motor vehicle crashes accounted for the leading cause of trauma-related deaths, burns presented a particularly serious risk.
The study found that, despite fewer patients being admitted with burns, the proportion of deaths within that category was higher than for other injuries examined.
These findings highlight the importance of preventing injuries while strengthening emergency medical services and ensuring that patients receive timely, appropriate treatment.
They also provide evidence that could help guide future investments in emergency response, trauma management, staff training and specialised surgical care.
STRENGTHENING SURGICAL CARE
Guyana is hosting the Bethune Round Table for the first time since the international conference was established in 2001.
The event, which opened on October 14 and concludes on October 18, has attracted healthcare professionals and researchers from 17 countries.
It is being held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre under the theme, “From Training to Surgical Transformation: Advancing Surgical Care through Global Partnerships and Local Innovations.”
During the opening ceremony, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony highlighted Guyana’s ambition to become a leading provider of specialised healthcare services in the Caribbean.
He emphasised the importance of research, innovation and developing local medical expertise as the country continues to expand and modernise its healthcare system.
GPHC Chief Executive Officer Robbie Rambarran also reflected on the hospital’s transformation over the past five years, while stressing that sustained improvements would require continued investments in infrastructure and equipment.
He highlighted the need to integrate technology, education, research and clinical excellence to achieve better outcomes for patients.
These priorities are particularly important in trauma care, where effective treatment depends on trained medical personnel, appropriate equipment, timely intervention and facilities capable of managing complex injuries.
LOOKING BEYOND HOSPITALS
A key feature of the opening ceremony was a presentation by Professor Daniel Dawes, Senior Vice President and Founding Dean of the Meharry Medical College School of Global Health.
Speaking on the political determinants of health, Dawes encouraged delegates to examine how public policies, resource allocation and living conditions influence health outcomes.
He emphasised that improving healthcare requires more than expanding hospitals and clinical services.
Dawes also pointed to Guyana’s constitutional commitments to health and environmental well-being, stressing the importance of translating those commitments into adequately funded programmes, measurable targets and equitable access to care.
He further challenged the Caribbean to explore the possibility of establishing the Region’s first Blue Zone, a community associated with exceptional longevity and healthy ageing, through policies that promote healthier lifestyles.
The conference has also featured discussions on reproductive health equity, digital innovation, pedestrian safety, cardiac surgery, patient safety and trauma systems.
INVESTMENTS IN HEALTHCARE
The research comes as Guyana continues to invest in expanding healthcare access and strengthening its capacity to provide specialised treatment.
Six new regional hospitals were commissioned in 2025, expanding access to emergency services, diagnostic imaging, surgical procedures and in-patient care outside Georgetown.
At the GPHC, investments in advanced surgical technology and the expansion of specialised procedures have broadened the range of locally available treatments.
The hospital has also been advancing the rollout of an electronic health records system, following its implementation at the Festival City Polyclinic.
The system is intended to improve access to patient information, support clinical decision-making and strengthen continuity of care.
These developments form part of wider efforts to modernise Guyana’s healthcare system and ensure that patients can access timely and specialised treatment.
However, the trauma research also underscores the importance of preventing injuries before they occur.
Safer driving practices, greater pedestrian awareness, precautions against falls and burns, and prompt access to emergency assistance can all contribute to reducing preventable injuries and deaths.
By examining the causes of serious injuries and the factors associated with patient outcomes, healthcare professionals and policymakers can better identify where improvements in prevention, emergency response and treatment may have the greatest impact.