In the presence of Prime Minister, the Hon Mia Amor Mottley, S.C., M.P., Dr Philomena Ann Mohini Harris, board members, management and staff of Bayview Hospital, the doors of Bayview Urgent Care opened, and with them, a new chapter in Barbados’ healthcare story began. Bayview Urgent Care, a purpose-built, Barbadian-designed, and community-focused facility, welcomed its first patients on June 12th, 2025, signaling that dependable and soon-to-be-around-the-clock urgent medical care had finally arrived.
For years, Bayview Hospital has been a trusted choice for maternity, surgical, and specialist care. Now, with the launch of Bayview Urgent Care, it offers something the island has long needed: a private facility where patients can walk in, be seen, and receive treatment for a wide range of non-life-threatening conditions.
Bayview’s urgent care bridges the gap between General Practitioners (GPs) and the public hospital’s accident and emergency department. It offers daily opening hours and extended times, providing immediate attention for conditions that need prompt care but are not life-threatening, such as:
- Diabetes management
- Dehydration
- Respiratory illnesses
- Sprains, strains and fractures
- Wound care
- Pain management
- Immunisations
With a fully equipped laboratory and diagnostic radiology suite all in the same convenient location, patients can receive diagnostic imaging, blood tests and treatment all under one roof within a 24-hour period. Patients suffering from severe trauma such as gunshot wounds, severe breathing problems and unresponsiveness would be required to visit the Accident & Emergency department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, as Bayview Urgent Care does not have the facilities to manage such conditions.
From its early planning stages, this urgent care was shaped by local insights. The chairman, board of directors, management, and staff, all understanding the community’s frustration with delays in care and the pressure on public emergency services, worked to establish a facility capable of treating urgent medical needs quickly, professionally, and with compassion.
The building itself embodies this mission, with contemporary treatment rooms and waiting areas designed for both efficiency and patient comfort. Accessibility features throughout the facility, from elevators to spacious corridors, ensure that individuals with mobility challenges can move through the space easily.
One of Bayview Urgent Care’s key strengths is its seamless connection to Bayview Hospital and its extensive referral network. Patients arriving at the urgent care whose condition require more intensive management can be admitted directly to Bayview’s ward, where its nursing and medical staff can deliver a high standard of personalised care. There is also an on-site pharmacy to dispense prescriptions upon discharge from the urgent care.
At launch, Bayview Urgent Care started with phased hours to guarantee the highest quality of services during its initial months. By the final quarter of 2025, it will switch to a full 24-hour, 7-day-a-week operation, marking the first time Barbados will have round-the-clock access to private urgent care on the island.
The opening of Bayview Urgent Care aims to reduce the strain on the public hospital and provide the community with an alternative. It’s not just about quicker treatment, but also about making quality healthcare accessible to more people whenever they need it.