The Official Inauguration of San Pedro’s First Private 24-Hour Hospital: The Amazing Dr Dan
Friday was a beautiful evening to head to town for a party. A party to officially announce and open San Pedro’s first 24-hour hospital…something that islanders have been talking about…the politicians have been promising since I moved here 17 years ago. And it has happened! Ambergris Hope Hospital is officially (always) open to treat San Pedro and her visitors.
The private hospital, Ambergris Hope Hospital, was conceived and built by San Pedro’s own Dr. Daniel Gonzalez, known to everyone as “Dr. Dan” or “Dr. Danny”. Known to me as “Jeff’s OB/GYN” or more importantly, the man who helped save Jeff’s life when he had a heart attack. He’s incredible.
The facilities, built around Dr Dan’s original offices at the north side of San Pedro town, look amazing. Dr. Dan’s Ambergris Hope Clinic has turned into a beautiful hospital.
There were speeches by the founders, government ministers, and San Pedro dignitaries. The media was there. The 25+ staff of the new hospital were in uniform. There was fantastic food by Chef Jennie Staines of Elvi’s Kitchen (that chicken dip!) and live music. But most of all…best of all…there was a sparkling new hospital ready for our community that really needs it!
Before I get into a few picture pictures, many of you are probably asking: What about the public hospital – it was first announced that construction would start in early 2023 (this article also lists all the announcements that have been made in the past) at a location about 1.5 miles south of San Pedro town. Construction has not started but last week, it was announced a few days ago that funding has been secured and a construction plan is in place. We shall see…
Let’s get to the party. Ambergris Hope Hospital IS completed. They have a CT Scan, X-Ray services, ultrasound with a radiologist available 24/7. Pediatricians, general practitioners, nurses, aides, speciality doctors. For the most up-to-date information, see their Facebook page for details.
Dr. Dan’s speech was very moving. He grew up on the island, born in 1965, and told us about how he fell from a tree as a small boy. His family searched for a doctor to help with the laceration but no one was available. While his parents resorted to home remedies for his injury, young Daniel decided one day, he was going to become a doctor. (It was a BOLD dream for the young San Pedrano, a time when tourism was juuuuust starting and many men were fishermen)
He graduated from San Pedro High School, studied in Mexico and then went to medical school in Guatemala. He returned to Belize to practice general medicine but the one open government spot in San Pedro was full. He worked for a year in Corozal, Belize and then returned to his island to “open shop”.
Dr Dan spoke about how he was so nervous. The doctors in San Pedro had always been foreigners. Would San Pedro accept and embrace a young local doctor? They did. He spoke about how proud he is of his title – Dr. Danny. Not for the title of “doctor” but how the nickname shows the acceptance, love and admiration of his island.
He was delivering many babies – and a few years later, he returned to Mexico (Mexico City) to specialize in Obsetrics. He returned to the island as a OB/GYN but was playing all roles. He opened a Bariatric Chamber for diving emergencies. And really works so incredibly hard to fill all medical roles he can. Bringing in specialists, doctors from Belize on the weekends…he knew it was time for a hospital on this island. And he made it happen.
Incredible. What a beautiful event. This is a HUGE step in the infrastructure needed for the frenzied growth of this island. Thank you Dr Dan and Nurse Cora and everyone who made this happen.
Sorry for my crummy pics but it was jam packed! And I had to get home…I realized as soon as I got to town, as the sun was setting, that my headlights didn’t work. Neither of them.
The guys at my shop (yes, I DEFINITELY have “a shop” – I feel sometimes like it’s my home away from home) got one working…and it gets dark here quick!
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I love all the information you provide. It is so helpful. I
Thank you!
Congratulations Dr. Danny and anyone else who helped to make this dream a reality. This hospital has been needed for 20 years or more. Politicians and governmental individuals have made innumerable promises to build and establish an advanced medical facility in San Pedro for years. But, it took an individual who had an idea and the zest to make it a reality. Now it is time for the residents and visitors to support Dr. Danny, his staff and facility.
Congratulations Dr. Danny and anyone else who helped to make this dream a reality. This hospital has been needed for 20 years or more. Politicians and governmental individuals have made innumerable promises to build and establish an advanced medical facility in San Pedro for years. But, it took an individual who had an idea, determination and the zest to do it. Now it is time for the residents and visitors to support Dr. Danny, his staff and facility.
Since there are many injuries sustained by international visitors, does the hospital accept reliable insurance from other countries?
I’m sure that with Hope Hospital, the new bridge, repairing the road north, and especially the formation of the Expat Expert Advisory Committee (EEAC).* Mayor Wally and his PUPs are guaranteed reelection.
* do you remember I volunteered to be the California advisor for how San Pedro should do things? But I haven’t heard from Wally yet. Maybe I just slipped through the cracks 🙄
Ha. The “how San Pedro should do things” committee is jam packed! PErhaps they are waiting for an opening?
I don’t think so. Dealing with insurance companies in the USA seems like a full-time job (or many full time jobs) for doctors’ offices in the US. I can’t imagine what it would be like trying to handle that from Belize. You would probably want to contact your insurance co and see if they even cover care outside the USA…or if you would need travel insurance and then, you’d pay at the doctor office abroad and then file the paper work/claims when you returned.
Check out ‘Belize Travel Insurance’ online. You can buy a medical insurance plan that provides 21 days of coverage with a $50,000 limit for a flat fee of $18 per person.
Is that the insurance that the country of Belize decided to implement in the waning days of the pandemic? I’m not sure that’s even working/active anymore…we haven’t heard anything about it in a while. $18 sounds too good to be true!
Here’s what I’ve found out:
I went to their website: belizetravelinsurance . com. Their phone numbers were a dead end but I got a fast response to my email. They said to fill out the form online. I was still skeptical – their website provides little detail. So I checked ChatGPT. It says the parent company: Insurance Corporation of Belize (ICBL) is legitimate and currently active.
I went to their website: icbinsurance . com. Their website has lots of info. I called the Belize City headquarters. An english speaking man answered. I asked about Belize Travel Insurance. He transferred me to a woman who said, “Yes, travel insurance is $18 for 21 days. Fill out the form online”.
Also: ICBL lists a branch office on Pescador Dr (Middle St). Maybe pop in and verify?
Thanks for all the time and work you put into keeping us all informed.. this article is the best news I have heard in years.. one of my main reasons for moving was the lack of medical available on the Island.. might have to reconsider spending more time there now..
Thanks for all the time and work you put into keeping us all informed.. this article is the best news I have heard in years.. one of my main reasons for moving was the lack of medical available on the Island.. might have to reconsider spending more time there now that Holy Cross Anglican school will be moving into a new phase soon.
Several years ago Dr. Dan helped me thru a medical crisis. I could have died but he knew what to do. So pleased that the island finally has 24 hr. medical help. Good job, Dr. Dan!!!
Thanks RC. Looking on Google maps it looks like it’s VERY close to the circle, more specifically on the left side of Castillio’s hardware.
Exactly…south side of Castillo’s.
Congrats to the medical team! Unfortunately the medical has prevented us from making Belize our forever home. We are so proud of you and the service you provide the community. Keep Belize strong!