Dr. Roberto Rico.
~Services available at SMMC’s multi-purpose clinic ~
CAY HILL--Persons in need of neurological care can now obtain such care in the comfort of St. Maarten Medical Center’s (SMMC’s) multipurpose clinic.
Neurologist Dr. Roberto Rico recently joined SMMC as a specialist providing Neurology services to patients on a bi-weekly basis at SMMC’s new multi-purpose clinic. Before going to SMMC, Rico worked for more than 35 years as a Neurologist at the St. Elizabeth Hospital in Curacao. There, he often consulted and treated several patients from St. Maarten during his many years in service.
As a general Neurologist, Rico can diagnose and treat disorders of the central nervous system such as seizure, stroke, traumatic brain injury, neuromuscular disorders, epilepsy, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and migraine headaches. He is specialized in Neurophysiology, which centres around investigating the function of the nervous system to diagnose and monitor neurological disorders.
In his capacity, he currently diagnoses and if necessary, prepares patients for further treatment. “This removes the need for persons to travel abroad for consultation services and also aids in preparing patients with the proper information in the event that they do have to travel elsewhere to further their treatment,” SMMC said on Wednesday.
“Neurology is a fairly new department within SMMC with the potential for exponential growth. Within the near future, the Neurology clinic will further develop to where we can treat a range of disorders within the hospital, thus reducing the need for patients traveling abroad for such treatment. I am delighted with the progress made thus far within the hospital and I am happy to be a part of that growth process,” Rico said.
The Neurology clinic has seen a steady increase in patient appointments since it started operations recently. “I have seen numerous patients so far with stress related issues. Stress within one’s environment plays a major role in the health of the body. With such stress related experiences, you get an influx of patients with tension headaches, backaches and neck aches.”
SMMC Medical Director Dr. Felix Holiday said SMMC is “happy” to welcome Rico to the growing specialty care at SMMC. “With Dr. Rico’s arrival at SMMC, the community’s accessibility to neurological services will increase thus reinforcing the hospital’s ongoing commitment to providing quality care close to home.”
Patients who wish to see the Neurologist can make an appointment at SMMC’s Outpatient Department at tel. 543-1111 ext. 1300 or 1378. Appointments can be made from Mondays through Fridays between 8:00am and 4:30pm. Social and Health Insurances SZV patients should obtain a referral letter from their family doctor.
