Nurse Joanna Laurent-Blaize has made exceptional contributions as Dominica’s Infection Control Officer, demonstrating her commitment to advancing infection prevention and control (IPC) practices both locally and regionally. For the past twenty six years of her career she went on to achieve post certification in IPC at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital University in Nottingham London and obtained her Degree in Nursing with the University of West Indies. Nurse Laurent-Blaize served as core staff nurse on the Pediatric and female surgical ward for three years consecutively. She worked on the floor with assertiveness, demonstrated high team spirit and always brought staff together.

At the hospital level, Nurse Laurent-Blaize has been instrumental in improving nursing standards through the development of Intensive Care Unit Bundles, which enhance nursing practices and patient outcomes. With her initiative and lead in the development of the Infection Control Prevention Performance Assessment Tools (IPCCAT) she has set a standard for monitoring and feedback on IPC measures, fostering continuous quality improvements through collaborative discussions with Ward Sisters and nurses; which includes Domestic and Ward Aides, sharp management,  Clinical practices, Administrative supplies and hand hygiene.

Her leadership extends to regular IPC educational sessions, where she discusses new trends and management practices related to emerging infectious diseases. She conducts quarterly hand hygiene assessments, rewarding exemplary nurses and wards with accolades to promote compliance and awareness. Additionally, Nurse Laurent-Blaize organizes three annual hospital-wide activities focused on staff empowerment, further solidifying her role as a leader in IPC.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nurse Laurent-Blaize played a pivotal role, developing Standard Operative Procedures (SOP), structuring the St. James COVID -19 isolation unit in Portsmouth and at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital. She facilitated  IPC training with Fire Officers at the Fire and  Ambulance Service, Prison Officers, nurses at the Primary Health Care level and hospital staff on IPC measures. This resulted in trainer of trainers, which enhanced and empowered others to be equipped to train others. This was demonstrated in information and training of cleaning staff during the surge of COVID-19 at the opening of the several Isolation and Quarantine units at District level.

Her involvement extends to national leadership, serving as an Infection Control and Clinical Care Nurse at the Infectious Disease Clinic for a ten years period.  (2004-2014). During her tenure as Infection Control Nurse from (2006 -2014) where she has mentored fellow nurses, developed orientation programs, and addressed stigma and discrimination through educational sessions. She has contributed to key national healthcare resources, including the Pandemic, Cholera, TB Manuals, Disaster Plan. Nurse Laurent-Blaize also developed and coordinated the first IPC manual and Guidelines at the National level.

Nurse Laurent-Blaize also developed an IPC Orientation program where six (6) nurses at Primary Health care facilities were assigned to her department during a three month period.

Nurse Laurent-Blaize has collaborated with PAHO to initiate Dominica’s first Hand Hygiene Symposium, creating locally relevant materials and securing funding for widespread distribution of IPC resources. Her efforts culminated in the development of a hand hygiene posters and utilized across healthcare facilities; which improved the environment workplaces.

Regionally, Nurse Laurent-Blaize’s impact is significant, serving as a resource personnel alongside PAHO consultants where she co-facilitated IPC training in Grenada and conducted IPC assessments that led to UN funding for their Neonatal Unit.  She also participated in Caribbean IPC Workshops as facilitator.

Internationally Nurse Laurent-Blaize served alongside PAHO consultants in the review of two (2) IPC Neonatal documents in Uruguay, South America for use in their health institution.

In May of 2023 PAHO/WHO, consultant from Washington DC conducted an IPC assessment  at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital (DCFH). In July of 2023, PAHO/WHO official report submitted to the Minister of Health Wellness and Social Services released a score of 687 from a maximum of 800 points, this positioned IPC at DCFH at an advanced stage.

Her colleagues sees her as a trail Blazer,  as someone who  brings success to everything she’s involved in.

For her dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to infection control, Nurse Joanna Laurent-Blaize is honored with the CNO Honorary Award, celebrating her profound influence on IPC practices within Dominica and across the region.

For these reasons and many more, Nurse Joanna Laurent-Blaize is awarded with the Caribbean Nurses Organization Honorary Award for 2024.