Young Patients Thrilled At Visit Of Countess Of Wessex

Young patients at the Bustamante Hospital for Children, in St. Andrew, were  thrilled to receive a visit from Her Royal Highness, the Countess of Wessex, today (March 3).

The Countess, who is on a four-day working visit to the island, along with His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, the Earl of  Wessex, toured sections of the 283-bed health facility, where she interacted with staff and the young patients.

She was accompanied by wife of the Governor-General, Her Excellency Lady Allen; Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, with responsibility for health infrastructure,  Hon. Luther Buchanan; Principal Medical Officer, Dr. Marion Bullock DuCasse; Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kevin Harvey; Chairman, Management Board, Bustamante Hospital for Children, Kenneth Benjamin; Acting Chief Executive Officer at the hospital, Anthony Wood; and Director, Nursing Services, at the institution,  Patricia Ingram Martin.

Scheduled stops included the McNeil Smith Ward, which caters to orthopaedic patients, Ward 4 and the hospital’s Learning and Activity Centre.

The Countess, who appeared quite empathetic towards the ailing children, often lingered at their bedsides, sharing words of comfort with them and their parents.

During her visit to the hospital’s Learning and Activity Centre, she was welcomed by a chorus of ‘Welcome to you, Countess of Wessex’, after which the children segued into a hearty rendition of, ‘I love you, you love me. We’re a happy family’.

The Countess concluded the tour with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the entrance of the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department.

Their  Royal Highnesses arrived in the island on Sunday (March 2) to participate in activities related to the Duke of Edinburgh Award. This will include meeting with the Board of Directors of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International, Jamaica, which is chaired by Professor Derrick McKoy, of the University of the West Indies, Mona.

His Royal Highness  is the Trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Foundation and Chair of the International Council.