Veteran nurse, military commander, and former Chairman of the Barbados Nursing Council brings over 35 years of healthcare leadership to the role
Bayview Hospital has announced the appointment of Major Marilyn Patrick as Hospital Administrator, effective June 2026. A registered nurse with more than 35 years of progressive experience spanning bedside clinical care, military medical command, and national regulatory leadership, Major Patrick brings to the role one of the most varied and distinguished healthcare careers in Barbados.
Major Patrick’s path to hospital administration is, by any measure, exceptional. A graduate of the Tercentenary School of Nursing, she served for over a decade as an Officer of Medical and Dental Services with the Barbados Defence Force before completing officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. She later commanded the Defence Force Field Medical Unit — a rapid-response disaster unit capable of deployment across the Caribbean — while simultaneously pursuing postgraduate studies that would ultimately include a Master of Science in International Management from the University of the West Indies and a Master of Science in Ergonomics and Human Factors from the University of Derby.
From 2019 to 2023, she served as Chairman of the Barbados Nursing Council, where she led the landmark amendment of the Barbados Nursing Act and Nursing Rules — legislation that formally recognised the nurse practitioner role, incorporated previously unacknowledged nursing specialties, and expanded the nursing scope of practice. She has been a member of the Bayview Hospital team since 2016, most recently serving as assistant hospital administrator.
Speaking on her appointment, Major Patrick said: “Stepping into the role of hospital administrator at Bayview is both an honour and a tremendous responsibility. I see this position as another opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, families, staff, and the wider community. If, at the end of my tenure, I can say that I helped leave Bayview stronger than I found it, then I will consider that a successful legacy.”
Major Patrick has identified three priorities for her first chapter as administrator: strengthening and standardising hospital policies and procedures; investing in middle management through targeted mentoring and training; and ensuring that every operational decision translates into excellent patient outcomes. She is equally focused on positioning Bayview to capitalise on its recent expansion, which includes the Urgent Care Centre, expanded diagnostic and laboratory services, an ambulance service, and a patient shuttle.
“The expansion creates a true one-stop healthcare model,” she said. “Patients now have direct access to multidisciplinary physicians and, if needed, can seamlessly access laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, surgery, or hospitalisation — all without navigating multiple facilities. That is more efficient, more coordinated, and far less stressful for patients and their families.”
A long-standing community volunteer, Major Patrick served with Kiwanis Barbados Central for two decades, including two terms as club president. She describes her philosophy of leadership — forged through nursing, military service, and regulation — as one of service first.
“Whether leading in nursing, regulation, or healthcare administration, I’ve always believed that leadership is about serving others, empowering teams, and making decisions that ultimately improve the lives of the people we are called to care for,” she said.
For Chairman of Bayview Hospital, Peter Harris, this appointment is both recognition of Major Patrick’s proven performance and a vote of confidence in her ability to navigate the road ahead. “On behalf of the Board of Management and as Chairman of Bayview Hospital I extend our sincere congratulations to Major Patrick on her appointment as Hospital Administrator. Her leadership, professionalism and unwavering commitment during her tenure as Acting Administrator have earned the confidence of the Board. As Bayview Hospital embarks on an exciting period of growth and new strategic initiatives, we are proud to have Major Patrick leading our administrative team.”
