The VSA Minister during her SLS visit.
PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Veronica Jansen-Webster, accompanied by her support staff, received what was referred to as a comprehensive briefing on the operations of St. Maarten Laboratory Services (SLS) during a visit on July 5.
According to a press release, the minister had intended to visit SLS much earlier, but her schedule had been busy while she was also overseeing the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI. Now that she is solely focused on her primary ministry, the meeting with SLS Director Dr. Cherina Fleming and senior staff was arranged for a comprehensive briefing on SLS operations.
A scene during the SLS visit.
Fleming outlined a brief history of SLS, highlighting the establishment of eight phlebotomy centres around the country. She explained the various roles and importance of SLS, emphasising the critical partnerships with external laboratories. A notable highlight was the accreditation of SLS. The laboratory is now ISO 15189 and ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited by A2LA, making it the only lab in the Dutch Caribbean territories to achieve such a distinction.
The minister was also treated to a tour of the main facility, where she observed the advanced machinery and specialised cooling systems for sample preservation, and met with some of the dedicated staff essential to SLS operations.
Jansen-Webster expressed her admiration for SLS’ high standards and achievements and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting its future endeavours. She extended her best wishes to the team for their continued success and contributions to the health and well-being of the community.
