Laura Beekhoo

To add to the network of neonatologists in Trinidad and Tobago with the intention of elevating the level of care delivered throughout our country. With the invaluable exposure and experience gained I hope to further align our practices with that of international standards.

In November 2018, I assumed the post of Consultant Paediatrician at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Port of Spain General Hospital. My role as a consultant involves all aspects of neonatal and perinatal medicine. I conduct daily teaching ward rounds with the entire multi-disciplinary team. I am also responsible for the follow-up of NICU graduates in our Neonatal Outpatient Clinic. I deliver antenatal counseling for expectant mothers and participate in multidisciplinary team meetings with the intention of optimizing antenatal care and determining the appropriate timing and mode of delivery for complicated Obstetric cases. In collaboration with Obstetric Department, we conduct frequent high risk antenatal meetings as well as mortality and morbidity meetings to improve the level of care provided to both mothers and their infants.

In addition, I act in a supervisory role to provide guidance and training to our junior staff, assisting them with developing and improving their diagnostic and clinical skills. I am also actively involved in neonatal resuscitation training for all levels of staff. Additionally, I am a clinical nursing instructor, educating the nursing staff on all aspects of newborn management. I am involved in conducting research and audits in pertinent topics with the aim of developing protocols to guide clinical management.

Upon completion of my Diploma in Paediatric Ultrasound in 2019, I started performing bedside point of care ultrasounds and baseline echocardiographic evaluations to further aid in the management of our most critical neonates. I am also the supervisor for both the Newborn Hearing Screen and Retinopathy of Prematurity screening programs ensuring their continuation and success.

I am also unit coordinator for the post-natal ward, maternity operating theatres, and the delivery suites. My responsibilities include ensuring all areas designated for resuscitation of neonates are functional and troubleshooting any issues that arise are resolved in a timely manner. Additionally, I have been a trainer for the Baby Friendly hospital Initiative for the last three (3) years and I am currently part of the team tasked with developing an Implementation Activation Plan to achieve Baby Friendly Hospital status for the Port of Spain General Hospital. Most recently, I am involved in preparation of the Disaster Preparedness Protocol for the unit.

• Basics of Haemodynamics, NeoPeds Academy, 2024
• The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (Trainer), Ministry of Health, 2022
• Diploma Paediatric Ultrasound Bachelor Class, 123 Sonography, 2019
• Post Graduate Program in Paediatric Nutrition, Boston University School of Medicine, 2018
• Parent training modules on Autism Spectrum Disorder, Vanderbuilt University, 2016
• Screening test for Autism in Toddlers (STAT) and Autism Diagnostic Schedule (ADOS), Vanderbuilt University, 2015

Completed Studies

• Are we seeing our way? A quality improvement study of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) screening at the Port of Spain General Hospital.
• Balloon Catheter Bronchial Occlusion: a non-surgical approach to bronchopleural fistula in a preterm neonate.

Ongoing Studies

• Are we screening too many? A retrospective study for validation of the use of postnatal growth and retinopathy of prematurity (G-ROP) at the Port of Spain General Hospital.

1. Dr. Marlon Timothy

Consultant Neonatologist

Head, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Port of Spain General Hospital

Chairman, National Neonatal Committee (NeoCoTT Working Group)

Contact: (1) 868-463-1771

Email: drmtimothy@gmail.com

2. Dr Krishanta Maharaj

Consultant Neonatologist

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit,

Port of Spain General Hospital

Contact: (1) 868- 778-0201

Email: krishanatm@gmail.com

3. Dr Nishkal Persad

Neonatologist and Paediatrician

Trillium Health Partners

Assistant Professor (Paediatrics)

University of Toronto

Contact: (1) 647-878-6485

Email: nishkal10@yahoo.com