Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) has reached an important milestone in its commitment to strengthening healthcare leadership with the launch of its first comprehensive Leadership Development Program.
The six-month initiative, led by the Learning & Development Unit within the Human Resources Department, was developed by Lyandra Richards, Head of the Learning & Development Unit. The program brings together leaders from both clinical and administrative departments in a structured curriculum designed to strengthen leadership capability, improve team performance, and enhance the overall patient and employee experience.
The program reflects the hospital’s ongoing investment in its people and recognizes the critical role effective leadership plays in delivering high-quality healthcare.
“Strong leadership is fundamental to everything we do at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre,” said Danley Philip, Director of Administration. “The way our leaders support their teams, make decisions, and respond to challenges has a direct impact on our staff, our patients, and the quality of care we provide. This Leadership Development Program is an investment in our people and in the future of our organization. By strengthening leadership at every level, we are building stronger teams, improving the workplace experience, and ultimately enhancing the care we deliver to our community.”
Over the next six months, participants will complete an intensive leadership curriculum featuring interactive workshops, virtual learning, coaching sessions, workplace projects, leadership assessments, and practical exercises designed to strengthen communication, strategic thinking, team development, and organizational effectiveness.
Unlike traditional classroom-based training, the program emphasizes immediate workplace application, allowing participants to implement new skills within their departments throughout the duration of the program.
“Leadership is about people,” said Lyandra Richards, Head of the Learning & Development Unit. “Every interaction a leader has with a colleague, patient, or family member has the power to shape someone’s experience. This program was designed to give our leaders practical skills they can immediately apply in the workplace. We want participants to become more confident in leading their teams, communicating effectively, developing and empowering their staff, and driving positive change while strengthening the culture of continuous learning across Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.”
Throughout the program, participants will also compete for Leadership Excellence Awards recognizing achievement in areas such as innovation, coaching, servant leadership, strategic thinking, team development, professionalism, and overall leadership performance. The program will culminate in a formal graduation ceremony recognizing those who successfully complete all program requirements.
For Destine Reid, Radiology Manager and a member of the inaugural cohort, the opportunity represents more than professional development.
“As leaders, we never stop learning,” Reid said. “This program is an opportunity to strengthen our leadership skills, learn from one another, and bring new ideas back to our teams. I’m excited to be part of the first cohort and to contribute to a culture of continuous learning and improvement at SLBMC.”
The Leadership Development Program also supports the hospital’s long-term succession planning efforts. Successful completion of the program is intended to become an important consideration for future leadership appointments and promotional opportunities, alongside organizational needs, qualifications, experience, and performance.
By investing in today’s leaders, Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre is strengthening its workforce, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and ensuring the organization remains well-positioned to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the people of Antigua and Barbuda for years to come.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Launches First Leadership Development Programme.