Progress update with the Regional Health Agency
On his third visit to the region, Philippe Luccioni-Michaux, director of the Regional Health Agency for Guadeloupe, Saint Barthélemy and Saint Martin (ARS), as on each of his visits, took part in a press conference with journalists, in the presence of Paul Guibert, the territorial director. On the
agenda: water quality, hospital modernisation, healthcare provision and the Regional Hospital Group (GHT) for the Northern Islands.
Water: continuous monitoring
Saint Martin can boast excellent bathing waters, at least at the beaches designated by the Collectivité, where samples are taken monthly (Baie aux Prunes, Baie Longue, Baie Rouge, Friar’s Bay, Grand Case, Petite Plage, Anse Marcel, Baie Orientale (north and south), and Baie de l’Embouchure (north and south)). The Director of the ARS recommends that the public give preference to these sites, as the monitoring carried out ensures their safety. Îlet Pinel is not classified due to an insufficient number of samples, largely due to its inaccessibility. In 2025, 159 samples were taken and are now analysed in a laboratory in Baie-Mahault, which reduces turnaround times. The water quality in public swimming pools (in hotels or large residential complexes) is also analysed. This
leaves drinking water. A monthly test is carried out at SAUR’s production facilities, which also conduct their own internal checks. Overall, water quality is satisfactory across the whole region. However, two cases of Legionnaires’ disease, which led to the deaths of two people – one in 2023 and the second this year – have been recorded in a block of flats at Baie Nettlé. The main challenge is to identify where, within the water network, water might stagnate and encourage the growth of the bacteria; this is what the block manager is currently working on.
Hospital: modernisation of existing facilities
The arrival of the new director on 15 July has enabled in-depth work to begin, and for Philippe Luccioni-Michaux, the working atmosphere is now calmer. Patrick Lambruschini has indeed met with the trade unions and a quarter of the staff from among the hospital’s approximately 400 employees. The next step is to improve working conditions for staff and the reception of patients.
As the dispute concerning the works contracts for the hospital’s extension remains unresolved (several contracts having been terminated by the administrative court in 2024 due to irregularities in their award), it has been decided to abandon the construction project and prioritise the renovation of the hospital, which was well-designed but is now in a state of disrepair. €6 million worth of works will be carried out over the next two years. This will mainly involve the technical systems, circulation routes and the security of the psychiatric ward through the installation of new CCTV cameras, as well as the reorganisation of open and closed areas and the provision of beds dedicated to adolescents in conjunction with the Maison des adolescents.
A healthcare provision supported by the GHT
The director’s remit is to stabilise the hospital in terms of healthcare provision as well. The hospital must offer care that meets the expectations of the population, part of which is ageing. A new ophthalmologist should now be able to treat, amongst other conditions, cataracts, and the number of specialists could increase with support from the Guadeloupe Hospital Group (GHT). A ministerial circular dated 29 July 2026 encourages the strengthening of this provision.
The shortcomings and a potential action plan will therefore be examined by the end of the year, with a view to implementation in 2027. Saint Martin will support the development of healthcare services in Saint Barthélemy, whilst the Guadeloupe Regional Healthcare Group (GHT) will, for its part, support the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital. In short, the larger facilities are making staff available to the smaller ones. An initial step forward has been taken with the reopening of a medical and psychological centre in Saint-Barthélemy, staffed by two nurses working in shifts and a psychiatrist who visits once a week. Similarly, work is set to begin with the Wataki Clinic. On this subject, for those who may be wondering, Dr Huidi Tchero has indeed been reinstated at the hospital but has… changed direction, taking charge of organising the outpatient department and stepping down as chair of the Rehabilitation and Wound Care Network (R2C).
