The Ministry of Health is developing a new programme that could allow selected family members to assist in caring for relatives in hospital.
Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe made the announcement during the Nursing Assistant Programme Handover Ceremony at the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT), saying the initiative is being developed to support nurses and nursing assistants while improving patient care.
However, he stressed that the programme would not apply to every patient and would operate under strict controls and regulations.
“We are yet to name it, but essentially, what the programme will do is allow families in selected cases to assist nurses and nursing assistants to care for their loved ones. It’s not going to be across the board, and it’s going to be very carefully selected and regulated.”
The Health Minister said the proposed programme could also help free up healthcare professionals to perform more specialised duties.
“I ask Corey that the Nursing Council – I’m not sure if you’ve been consulted yet, but I’m sure that time will come when you will be consulted on this and we’ll be asking for your input. And therefore, I ask for us to keep a very open mind about this type of intervention. I think it is going to be useful, it’s going to be helpful, and it can free up nurses, especially for, I don’t want to say the more important tasks, but the other tasks that require expertise and so on.”
The ceremony marked the official handover of the approved Nursing Assistant Programme from the Nursing Council of Trinidad and Tobago to COSTAATT, with an initial intake of up to 200 students planned for September 2026.
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, Hansen Narinesingh, said nursing assistants remain a critical part of the healthcare system.
“By entrusting this approved programme to COSTAATT, the Nursing Council of Trinidad and Tobago has affirmed the College’s capacity to deliver training that meets the rigorous standards of the profession.”
Acting COSTAATT President Dr Naseem Koylass said the college intends to produce graduates who are guided not only by technical knowledge but also by strong professional values.
“The College is prepared to enrol up to 200 students in the inaugural intake beginning in September 2026. As clinical placement capacity expands through our collaboration with the Regional Health Authorities and the Ministry of Health, we look forward to welcoming a second cohort in January 2027.”