NEW CENTRE OPENS

A NEW state-of-the-art wellness centre has been opened in Barbados, with the primary objective of bringing balance to those who come through its doors.

On Saturday evening Swindon House was officially opened by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley during a ceremony held at the new building which is located in Lodge Hill St. Michael, just outside of the Warrens town centre.

The brainchild of husband and wife duo Dr. Carlisle Goddard and Maxine McClean-Goddard, the building hosts the Endocrine Centre Inc., a specialist centre for Internal Medicine, Diabetes, Endocrinology and CAM Inc., a medical management company.

It was explained that the alarming statistics of Barbadians who have non-communicable diseases coupled with the increasing burden on Barbados’ public healthcare system, hastens the need for medical professionals to widen their scope and reach to stem this tide. The Centre seeks to provide holistic care with a focus on prevention of the “at risk” as well as those who have been diagnosed with NCDs. Additionally, 24-hour emergency medical services with additional facilities will be offered.

Dr. Goddard told a large gathering of specially invited guests that the journey to complete the building was extremely challenging. He stated that he and his wife decided that something different was needed in Barbados. “The concept of wellness came about. We didn’t want a hospital, we wanted a centre that was holistic so that we can include everyone and not only treat the physical ailments of persons but allow you to relax, put that mental anguish to the side and focus on the higher order and bring back balance, which is the definition of medicine.

“When one comes here it is not about ailments, it is not about physical disabilities it is about how do we seek to attain that wellness when you leave this place,” it was explained.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley thanked the Goddards for the confidence that they have shown in the Barbados economy and society. “That you could have invested your money at this stage, confident in a knowledge that this is an economy that is still growing and will grow to be able to put you back in a position to repay what you have invested here, but equally thanking you for doing something that hopefully will make a difference in the lives of thousands of Barbadians because of the service you are delivering because of the knowledge you are providing and hopefully because of the example you are setting.”

She also commended the innovation and foresight of the directors for making the facility cashless. “The notion of a cashless clinic is exactly where the country is going. Once again, the pandemic has imposed that obligation upon us because the reality is that cash passing hands, is probably one of the greatest risks in this society for a public health pandemic that is based on anything to do with touch and ultimately how it is spread,” it was further pointed out.

The name Swindon comes from long time friends Anne Williams and Francis Young who lived in Swindon and were supportive of the duo at various stages of their lives. “They were supportive of us and our quest to develop our medical centre. Sadly, they both passed away last year without knowing that we would name the building in their honour.” Their son Edward Young and his wife Olivia were however able to attend the opening.

The decor of the rooms reflect places that the Goddards have visited and features some Harry Potter influences on the upper floor. There are five “pods” which are all named after significant persons in their lives. (JH)