GG Brings Cheer to Patients at Black River Hospital

As  part of their annual visits to institutions of care during the Yuletide season, Their Excellencies, Governor General,  the  Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen,  and Lady Allen, visited patients at the Black River Hospital, in St. Elizabeth, on December 14.

They  greeted the staff and patients at the institution, while delivering a message of good cheer and encouragement.

In a brief address, the Governor General explained that his visit to the institution was not just to continue the tradition, but to encourage the patients in their moment of greatest need, and to share some joy with them.

“Our visit is also intended to encourage the administrative staff, the medical staff, many of whom might not have, and will not have the opportunity of spending Christmas with their families, because they will be on duty, and we want to remember them also as they take care of their patients,” he said.

He described the visit and tour of the facility as an interesting experience for himself and Lady Allen, pointing out that it caused them to become more aware of the overwhelming need and support that both the patients and staff require.     

The Governor General said that in observing the operations at the hospital, they  remind him of some of the fundamental traits that define Jamaicans as a people.

“It is the spirit of compassion, it is the spirit and the desire to serve, and our determination as a people. Despite the fact that we might not have some of the amenities that we need to execute the tasks optimally, we still try to make and do the best with what we have, and I view this as an attitude that is worthy of commendation,” he said.

This brings to three the number of hospitals visited by Their Excellences since the beginning of December, as they have already visited the Bustamante Hospital for Children and the May Pen Hospital.

According to  the Governor General, he will visit the Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny next week.

By Bryan Miller, JIS Reporter