St. Augustine's Medical Services (SAMS): Grenada's Complete Guide to Private Hospital Care
TL;DR: St. Augustine's Medical Services (SAMS) is Grenada's leading private hospital. Founded in 1998 and located in St. Paul's, St. George's, it offers 24/7 emergency care, 16+ clinical specialties, a 64-slice CT scanner, a hyperbaric chamber for scuba diving accidents, and full air ambulance coordination. It's the go-to choice for tourists, expats, and yacht crew on the Spice Isle.
Medical emergencies don't care about your vacation schedule. Whether you're diving the Bianca C wreck, hiking the lush trails near Grand Etang, or sailing into the Carenage on your yacht, the last thing you want is to be scrambling for healthcare information when every minute counts.
That's exactly the problem this guide solves.
St. Augustine's Medical Services (SAMS) is Grenada's premier private hospital. It has operated in the Spice Isle since 1998 and offers a level of care that most visitors and expats don't realise exists on a small Caribbean island. Think private rooms, a 64-slice CT scanner available around the clock, a hyperbaric medicine unit for decompression emergencies, and a team that has handled everything from cruise ship medical crises to complex surgical cases.
This guide covers everything you need to know, including what SAMS can treat, how it compares to the public General Hospital, how your travel insurance works there, and what the Medicare membership programme actually costs. Bookmark it before you travel.
What Is SAMS and Why Should Visitors Care?
SAMS is a private inpatient and outpatient hospital in St. Paul's, St. George's parish, roughly 10 minutes from the capital. Founded by Dr. L.N. Amechi and Allyson Amechi in 1998, it was built to fill a genuine gap: quality private healthcare on the Spice Isle that locals, tourists, and expats could all rely on. Today it offers comprehensive care across more than 16 clinical service areas, all under one roof.
For visitors, the key reason to care about SAMS is simple. Grenada's public healthcare system provides free primary care to all residents, but advanced diagnostics like CT scans, digital X-rays, and dialysis are only available through private hospitals. If you need specialist imaging or urgent surgical care, the private route gets you there faster with more modern equipment. According to regional healthcare guides, private facilities in Grenada are known for offering more sophisticated diagnostic analyses, non-emergency surgeries, and critical care, and SAMS is the standard-bearer.
The hospital's tagline tells you everything: "Life is precious, put it in the right hands."
You can find the full SAMS listing on GrenadaSearch including contact details, directions, and patient reviews.
What Services Does SAMS Actually Offer?
SAMS covers over 16 areas of clinical care, which is remarkable for a 12-bed private hospital. Here is a breakdown of what is available.
Outpatient clinics include:
- General Practitioners (walk-ins accepted, appointments preferred)
- General Surgery
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Orthopedics
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Radiology
- Laboratory
- Pharmacy
- Hyperbaric Medicine
- Ambulance service
The specialist team includes an orthopedic surgeon, a general surgeon, a cardiovascular surgeon, an OB/GYN specialist, a radiologist, a physiotherapist, and a dedicated ultrasonographer. That's not a lineup you find at most Caribbean clinics.
The radiology department is a particular standout. SAMS operates a 64-slice CT scanner with radiologist reports delivered in under 24 hours, and emergency CT scan, X-ray, and ultrasound services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That means if you come in with a head injury at 2 a.m. on a Saturday, imaging is available immediately.
The laboratory handles routine blood work with same-day results, including hematology, general chemistry, and special chemistries. More complex tests, including food allergy testing and pathology, are processed through accredited regional labs.
The on-site pharmacy covers prescription drugs for all needs, so you don't need to hunt for a separate chemist after your consultation.
Surgical services include major and minor procedures across:
- General Surgery (hernias, appendectomies, laparotomies)
- Obstetrics and Gynecology (C-sections, hysterectomies, myomectomies)
- Orthopedics (fracture reductions, arthroscopic knee surgery)
- Urology (prostatectomies, cystoscopies)
Inpatient rooms come with two beds (private or semi-private), full air conditioning, a private bathroom, cable TV, and a telephone. Every room connects to the nurses' station via a call button. There's also a dedicated maternity suite with a private, comfortable environment for deliveries. For patients who need longer care, SAMS also offers long-term elderly care and palliative care on request.
Does SAMS Have a Hyperbaric Chamber for Scuba Divers?
Yes. SAMS runs a dedicated hyperbaric medicine clinic, making it one of the few facilities in the Eastern Caribbean where divers suffering from decompression illness can receive recompression treatment on the island.
This is critical information for anyone diving Grenada's famous sites. Grenada is often called the Wreck Capital of the Caribbean, with over 35 dive sites including the Bianca C, rated one of the top ten wreck dives in the world. That 600-foot luxury liner sits at 165 feet of water, a depth where decompression discipline is essential. Deeper dives at the Bianca C, Flamingo Bay, and the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park carry real decompression risk if safety stops are missed.
Decompression sickness (DCS, also called "the bends") happens when a diver ascends too quickly and dissolved nitrogen forms bubbles in the blood and tissues. Symptoms range from joint pain and tingling to loss of feeling and, in severe cases, paralysis. Time is critical. The sooner a diver with DCS enters a recompression chamber, the better the outcome. Research shows that between 76 and 78 percent of patients treated in a hyperbaric chamber recovered fully from decompression illness.
A recompression chamber works by simulating the pressure of being underwater, which re-dissolves the nitrogen bubbles. The patient breathes 100 percent oxygen while the chamber slowly decompresses, allowing the body to safely off-gas the excess nitrogen. Treatment typically runs for several hours.
Having SAMS on the Spice Isle with a functional hyperbaric unit means divers don't face the nightmare scenario of waiting for emergency evacuation to another island. If you're planning deep dives with the Grenada Artificial Reef Project or another local operator, SAMS is your on-island safety net.
Important: Always carry DAN (Divers Alert Network) dive insurance before you enter the water. DAN covers hyperbaric treatments, related hospital fees, and ambulance services to the nearest appropriate facility.
SAMS vs. Grenada General Hospital: What's the Difference?
For emergencies and standard care, both options exist. For advanced diagnostics, shorter wait times, and private rooms, SAMS is the clear choice.
Grenada has three government-run acute care hospitals and more than 30 medical facilities islandwide. St. George's General Hospital is the largest public facility and serves as the main referral hospital on the Spice Isle. Public primary care is free, and the General Hospital handles emergency trauma, basic surgeries, and general admissions.
The differences become clear in the details:
| Feature | SAMS (Private) | General Hospital (Public) | |---|---|---| | 24/7 Emergency | Yes | Yes | | CT Scanner (64-slice) | Yes, 24/7 | Limited | | Hyperbaric Chamber | Yes | No | | Private Rooms | Yes, AC and TV | Ward-style | | Specialist Access | Direct booking | Referral system | | Air Ambulance Coordination | Yes, extensive | Case by case | | Wait Times | Shorter | Longer | | Cost | Fee for service | Free (basic care) |
The public sector faces limitations in specialised procedures and the latest technologies, leading to longer wait times for non-urgent treatments. This is not a criticism of the General Hospital's dedicated staff. It's the reality of public healthcare funding in a small island economy.
For tourists with travel insurance, expats, and anyone facing a non-trivial medical situation, the consensus across Grenada expat communities and travel forums is consistent: go private if you have the means.
How to Use Travel Insurance at SAMS
SAMS has extensive experience working with foreign insurance companies and air ambulance providers, built over 27 years of treating cruise ship passengers, yacht crew, and international visitors. That infrastructure matters when you're the one in the hospital bed.
When you arrive, follow these three steps:
- Call ahead if possible. The 24/7 emergency line is (473) 440-6173/74/75. For non-emergencies, outpatient clinic hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon.
- Bring your insurance documents. Have your policy number, emergency assistance number, and any pre-authorisation codes ready. SAMS can work directly with many international insurers.
- Notify your insurer early. Most travel insurance policies require prompt notification before or shortly after major treatment. Don't wait until you're discharged.
For scuba divers, standard travel insurance often excludes or caps hyperbaric treatment. Many health insurance plans have exclusion clauses for dive accidents or limits on hyperbaric treatment. Dive-specific insurance from DAN covers all hyperbaric treatments and related fees, plus ambulance services to the nearest appropriate facility.
If air evacuation becomes necessary, SAMS has direct connections with reputable air ambulance companies and can arrange transfers to the US, Barbados, Trinidad, or wherever required. For any visitor in Grenada for an extended stay, having private international health insurance that includes medical evacuation is strongly recommended.
Yacht crew: review your crew health policy before your Caribbean passage and confirm that private hospital care and hyperbaric treatment in the Eastern Caribbean are covered.
Running a health or wellness business in Grenada? Get found by thousands of visitors searching for services each month. List your business in the Health & Medical directory on GrenadaSearch. It's free to get started.
The SAMS Medicare Membership Programme: Is It Worth It for Expats?
The SAMS Medicare Programme is a prepaid healthcare assistance plan operated by Navajo Ltd. It's designed for Grenadian residents and long-term expats who want reliable, affordable access to SAMS services without paying full fee-for-service each visit.
Here are the three membership tiers, all priced in EC$ (Eastern Caribbean Dollars):
SAMS Medicare Plus covers outpatient services only.
- EC$45 per month, plus a one-time EC$50 enrollment fee
- Annual outpatient benefit limit: EC$2,000
- Children under 16 on family plans: EC$25/month
SAMS Medicare Silver covers inpatient (hospitalization) care only.
- EC$55 per month, plus a one-time EC$50 enrollment fee
- Annual inpatient limit: EC$3,500
- Family plan includes two children at no extra charge
SAMS Medicare Gold covers both inpatient and outpatient care.
- EC$90 per month, plus a one-time EC$50 enrollment fee
- Combined annual limit: EC$6,000
- Three children free on a family plan
Subscribers with existing international health insurance can stack the Medicare Programme on top of their plan to cover excess balances or services their main insurer excludes. It's a smart strategy for expats whose policies have gaps.
For those relocating to St. George's or another parish, the Gold plan at roughly USD $33 per month is competitive for the Eastern Caribbean. It eliminates the referral bureaucracy and gives you direct access to SAMS's full team.
Contact Lauren Grey-Beliaeff MBE at admin@samsgrenada.com for membership enquiries and current pricing.
Practical Details: Hours, Location, and What to Bring
Address: St. Paul's Main Road, St. George's, Grenada. SAMS is located in the cool hills of St. Paul's, roughly 10 minutes from the capital by road. The serene, secure setting aids recovery and offers the privacy that many patients need.
Phone (24/7): (473) 440-6173 / 440-6174 / 440-6175 Fax: (473) 440-6176 Email: dramechi@samsgrenada.com Patient services: patientservice@samsgrenada.com
Outpatient Clinic Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
- Sunday and public holidays: Closed for outpatient clinic
Emergency Room: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week, every day of the year.
Walk-ins are accepted. Appointments are preferred for outpatient visits. Online registration and appointment scheduling are available through the patient portal at samsgrenada.com.
What to bring:
- Passport or government-issued photo ID
- Travel insurance documents (policy number, emergency assistance line)
- Credit or debit card for payment
- Any relevant medical history or current prescription list
- DAN membership card if visiting for a dive-related injury
Cruise ship passengers: SAMS has specific experience with shipboard medical cases. They have direct contacts with cruise line medical officers and international insurance carriers. If your ship's doctor refers you ashore in St. George's, SAMS is the destination.
Conclusion
SAMS is the answer to the question every sensible visitor to the Spice Isle should ask before arrival: what happens if I need serious medical care in Grenada?
The answer is reassuring. Within 10 minutes of St. George's, you have a 27-year-old private hospital with a 24/7 emergency room, a 64-slice CT scanner available around the clock, a hyperbaric medicine chamber for diving accidents, a specialist medical team covering 16-plus disciplines, and deep connections to regional air ambulance services. That's a level of private medical infrastructure that rivals facilities in much larger Caribbean destinations.
Three things to do before you travel:
- Save the SAMS number in your phone right now: (473) 440-6173/74/75.
- Confirm your travel or dive insurance covers private hospital care and hyperbaric treatment in the Eastern Caribbean.
- If you're relocating to Grenada, look seriously at the Medicare Gold plan at EC$90/month.
Browse the full range of healthcare providers and professional services in Saint George's on GrenadaSearch, and make sure you're prepared for whatever the Spice Isle adventure brings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SAMS the only private hospital in Grenada? No, but it is widely regarded as the leading private hospital on the Spice Isle. Grenada has approximately four private hospitals in total, but SAMS stands out for its 16-plus clinical specialties, 24/7 emergency and imaging availability, hyperbaric medicine unit, and its track record serving international visitors since 1998.
Can tourists use SAMS without travel insurance? Yes. SAMS is a fee-for-service private hospital that accepts walk-in patients and private-pay arrangements. You do not need insurance to be treated, but costs must be covered directly. Travel insurance is strongly recommended before visiting Grenada, particularly for scuba divers or anyone planning adventure activities, as medical bills can be substantial without coverage.
What is the hyperbaric chamber at SAMS used for? The hyperbaric medicine unit at SAMS treats scuba diving injuries, specifically decompression sickness (DCS), sometimes called the bends. When a diver ascends too quickly, nitrogen bubbles form in the blood and tissues. The chamber recreates underwater pressure, re-dissolving those bubbles while the patient breathes 100 percent oxygen. It's a critical resource for divers exploring Grenada's world-class sites like the Bianca C wreck and the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park.
How far is SAMS from Grand Anse Beach and the cruise ship terminal? SAMS is located in St. Paul's, approximately 10 minutes by road from St. George's city centre. Grand Anse Beach and the cruise ship terminal at the Carenage are both within roughly 10 to 15 minutes by taxi. The location in the St. George's parish hills makes it accessible from both the southern resort areas and the capital without a long cross-island journey.
Does SAMS offer fit-to-travel and PCR testing? Yes. SAMS operates a fit-to-travel testing service including PCR swab testing for passengers with international travel requirements. Tests must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Results are sent electronically to your registered email address. Contact patientservice@samsgrenada.com for current requirements and to book.