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38 39 S int Maarten Medical Center opened its doors on March 17th, 1991, as the successor of St. Rose Hospital. Recently celebrating its 26th anni- versary, SMMC is a thriving, non-profit organi- zation that manages and carries out hospital functions serving the community of Dutch St Maarten in the north-eastern Caribbean. Pa- tient care services also support surrounding smaller islands, such as Saba, St. Eustatius, and Anguilla, and others in the region. SMMC Communications officer, Tyra Van Putten, explains the origins of the facility: “Back then, there were big problems with space assignment at the former St. Rose Hospital, due to the increasing healthcare de- mands of a growing population. So, the deci- sion was made to build a modern structure in SINT MAARTEN MEDICAL CENTER Sint Maarten Medical Center WE CARE TOGETHER a more central location to accommodate the needs of the community.” Today, SMMC has 69 inpatient beds and employs approximately 330 personnel. There are 22 specialists in service of the hospital, while a few other medical specialists maintain private practices on the hospital premises. A diverse nursing staff, recruited locally and in- ternationally, attends to the multicultural and multi-lingual needs of the community. In addi- tion, an in-house, nationally accredited Educa- AT A GLANCE | SINT MAARTEN MEDICAL CENTER WHAT: Private, non-profit general hospi- tal serving Sint Maarten and surrounding islands WHERE: Dutch St. Maarten in the northeastern Caribbean WEBSITE: www.smmc.sx