Meet Zara Ashby — Bayview Hospital’s first Patient Care Coordinator
When Bayview Hospital created the Patient Care Coordinator role, it was charting new territory. There was no blueprint, no predecessor, and no established playbook. That’s precisely the kind of challenge that Zara Ashby was built for.
Since joining the team in October 2025, Zara has not only defined what the role looks like at Bayview — she has expanded it well beyond its original scope, becoming an important part of how the hospital connects with patients.
Zara’s journey into healthcare began at the University of South Florida, where she pursued a Bachelor of Health Sciences with a focus on pre-physical therapy. Recognising that health is more than biology alone, she broadened her programme to include a concentration in health administration — a decision that would prove formative.
After graduating, Zara took a role as a Practice Assistant at a primary care clinic in Boston. It was there, she says, that she discovered the business engine behind patient care — the administrative, financial, and operational systems that keep a healthcare facility running. “I learned the business end of healthcare,” she reflects. “All of the admin, financial, and business aspects.“
Returning to Barbados with a thirst for more experience in health administration, she came across the opportunity at Bayview — and the rest, as they say, is history.
One of Zara’s most significant achievements has been her role in launching Bayview’s Executive Medical and General Medical Programme in November 2025. The programme, which focuses on preventative health and corporate wellness, offers a premium concierge-style experience: no waiting, on-site diagnostics and laboratory services, and a fully coordinated patient journey from start to finish.
“Offering a service doesn’t just entail getting a diagnosis — there is a component in terms of comfort and customer service that is incredibly important. It’s important to have someone who can coordinate all the departments and bring everything together to ensure the patient has a good experience.“
From the ground up, Zara developed the standard operating procedures, coordinated appointments, conducted tours for corporate clients, and ensured every patient arriving at Bayview received a seamless experience. Before a patient even steps through the door, she has already registered them in the system, briefed the clinical team, and confirmed that every detail is in place.
The programme has grown substantially since its launch — a testament to both the demand for the service and the quality of Zara’s coordination. She has also worked alongside Clinical Director Dr. Ferdinand, gaining deeper insight into hospital operations and the logistics involved in delivering patient care at an institutional level.
What began as a focused coordination role has steadily widened in scope. Zara is frequently called upon to support other departments across Bayview’s administrative operations — a reflection of both her capabilities and the trust she has earned across the organisation.
She is quick to highlight what she believes makes the role truly meaningful: “When a patient walks into Bayview Hospital, the first interaction is with the receptionist and administrative team. It’s important to have a strong administrative team that can answer questions — including billing — because that is part of patient comfort. A lot of people seek care depending on what they can afford, and money is a factor.”
Her experience with electronic health records and scheduling systems has been a practical asset from day one — allowing her to hit the ground running and bring efficiency to a brand-new function.
In the coming months, Zara will be departing Bayview to complete her studies in physical therapy. But her long-term vision is clear: she sees her future in health administration, and her time at Bayview has only deepened that conviction.
“I’m extremely proud of what I’ve accomplished while I’ve been here,” she says. “I love the diversity of the role — every day is different, and there’s always an opportunity to make a difference.“
Bayview Hospital is grateful for Zara’s dedication, initiative, and warmth. She has set a remarkable standard for the Patient Care Coordinator role — and whoever follows in her footsteps will have a strong foundation to build on. We wish her every success as she takes her next step forward.