aug-2017c

40 41 tion Department offers training, upgrading and specialization courses in nursing, as well as defining patient handling proto- cols to ensure that SMMC meets the highest standards in care. Van Putten notes, “The unique situation of SMMC is that we are on the Dutch side of St. Maarten (the island is separated between the Dutch and French, and the French side has their own hospital). But being part of the Dutch kingdom, we also cater to other Dutch islands that are smaller and cannot sus- tain a full medical center. So, we have visitors from our neigh- boring islands, plus we are an altruistic island, so we also cater to the visitors that are here.” With such a diverse clientele, SMMCmust be prepared to satisfy the needs of everyone who comes through the doors.Van Putten says,“Over the years, that meant expanding what we offer, howwe offer, and keeping an eye on the market to understand what people need. If we add a specialty, there’s also a rise in what’s needed. For instance, SMMC fully introduced the oncology department a couple of years ago, and from that we saw there was more demand than what initially seemed to be needed. So, our services transitioned and evolved from a responsive to a proactive way of looking at the community, because ensuring we offer accessible, affordable, high-quality healthcare is the priority.” While the size of the hospital building has not grown, oper- ations and services offered inside the physical structure have significantly advanced over the years.Ongoing education is a top focus. SMMC’s Education Department guarantees well-rounded, practical training designed to meet the students’ personal and social expectations.Through the internship program, the educa- tion department trains an average of one hundred students each year, from St.Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius, Curacao, and the Neth- erlands.Van Putten notes,“We also have a bond with the nursing school in Curacao; working together keeps our nursing staff up to date, and gives educational opportunities to those in the community who are interested in getting a nursing degree.” SINT MAARTEN MEDICAL CENTER