Nevis Deputy Premier dismisses dialysis accusations

The deputy premier of Nevis has robustly defended himself after his predecessors accused him of failing to care for those suffering from kidney disease.

Mark Brantley, who has responsibility for health on the island, said that allegations surround a “cynical election gimmick” and that references to his actions leading to deaths are far from true.

He even questioned the costs cited by former Nevis Island Administration minister for health Hensley Daniel.

“[I] want to assure the public and in particular those patients sadly suffering with renal failure that their care is of paramount importance and is high on our agenda with regards to health provision.”

Earlier this week, Daniel told reporters that there are two dialysis machines – as well as a water treatment plant, two patient centric chairs, examination room and a nursing station – sitting unused in the grounds of Alexandra Hospital.

They were purchased by the previous Nevis Reformation Party administration, arriving in Nevis in April 2013 – just months after elections saw a new ruling party.

The NRP member called out Brantley for “callous disregard” that he believes is leading to loss of life on the island.

[caption id="attachment_3555" align="aligncenter" width="500"] A container in the grounds of Alexandra Hospital that reportedly contains the two dialysis units.[/caption] In a statement to WIC News, Brantley said: “I am pleased to have the opportunity to set the record straight and to provide the facts with regards to the provision of dialysis treatment in Nevis for patients suffering with renal failure.

“The truth is that the former Minister purchased a containerised unit housing two dialysis machines for US$225,000, which the authorised dealers of the same machines in the US later valued at US$80,000.

“They were purchased perilously close to an election so it begs the question as to where the extra monies went.”

Treatment provisions within federation

Daniel went as far as to suggest Brantley should be fired for the failure to install the unit

While not explicitly confirming that there are two units mothballed in the hospital grounds, Brantley blamed a political ploy and lack of future planning for creating this issue.

"Machines were purchased but no nurses were trained. No technicians were trained. No nephrologist was available. No vascular surgeon to insert shunts was available,” he said.

“In short absolutely none of the necessary preparatory work was done to safely provide a dialysis service to Nevisians.

“Clearly there was zero planning and the purchase was but a cynical election gimmick. It's as if we bought a car at a grossly inflated price but had no driver and no mechanic for the car.

“Nevis currently has 2 dialysis patients of which I am aware and all patients needing dialysis treatment are being dialysed within [the] country in St Kitts, with the direct financial assistance of the Ministry of Health in Nevis.

“In short anyone needing this specialist care is afforded it by this government and is afforded treatment within St Kitts and Nevis.”

Lack of evidence

Brantley, who also serves as minister of foreign affairs with the federal government, says that he is aware of two deaths from renal failure in the past five years.

These were people who “had suffered renal failure for many years and developed complications” and nothing to do with “the unavailability of treatment as both patients were being treated.”

Daniel said earlier this week that he knew of people who could have been helped but died while the machines were not in use. WIC News has asked for more information on this claim. [caption id="attachment_3557" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Hensley Daniel.[/caption]

“I know that persons suffering from kidney failure have had to travel overseas for medical attention,” he added.