St. Elizabeth Infirmary: Providing Care and Hope for Jamaica’s Vulnerable

Nestled in the heart of Jamaica’s ‘bread-basket’ parish is the St. Elizabeth Infirmary, which stands as a beacon of hope for the island’s most vulnerable citizens.

Dedicated to caring for those unable to care for themselves – such as the homeless, mentally challenged, and individuals with disabilities – the institution operates with a mission that extends beyond meeting basic needs.

It embraces a holistic approach to care, fostering independence for its 47 residents.

Acting Matron, Bianca Mitchell Smith, explains that the Infirmary is more than just a shelter.

She describes the institution as a community built on friendly, caring and compassionate principles.

Mrs. Mitchell Smith tells JIS News that a dedicated staff of 33 ensures that the residents, 28 males and 19 females, receive personalised attention.

The team, comprising Patient Care Assistants, Screeners, a Porter, Security Guards, Cooks, Cleaners, Sanitisers, Groundsmen, and Laundresses, works tirelessly to maintain a safe and nurturing environment.

“We have it ingrained in our nature that whatever we do for ourselves at home, we do for our residents. We want the residents to feel like they’re at home. So that is how we operate here,” Mrs. Mitchell Smith explains.

The Infirmary’s commitment to its residents is evident in the institution’s structured approach to admissions.

The Acting Matron explains that patients are not directly admitted to the Infirmary, but rather through thorough assessments conducted by Poor Relief Officers to ensure that the needs of prospective residents are fully understood.

“If a family or a friend, even a church group realises that someone in their community is in need of care and that they are indigent, they will go to the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation and they would request to speak to a Poor Relief Officer. That Poor Relief Officer will then conduct an interview with the person or with a family member in the community,” she details.

“The Poor Relief Officer would investigate the needs of the person and if they realise that this person genuinely needs further care, they will then liaise with me, asking if there is any space at the Infirmary. They would do their background investigations, as well, to see how long the person has been in that position, for their medical health, if there are medications, among other things. All that information will then be given to me for admission,” Mrs. Mitchell Smith adds.

She further informs that once a resident is admitted, the staff do their utmost to ensure the individual makes a smooth transition and is integrated into daily life at the facility.

“Daily life for the residents is very good. They wake up, usually around 7:00 a.m., for bath time [and] breakfast is served at 8:30. They then receive their mid-morning snack at around 10:00 a.m., which usually consists of in-season fruits. Lunch is served around 12.30 to 1:00 p.m. and then around two o’clock… three o’clock, we have exercises with them and recreational activities before their evening bath and supper time,” the Acting Matron details.

She emphasises that exercises are led by a physiotherapist and vary, based on patients’ individual needs and capabilities.

Mrs. Mitchell Smith says the commitment to daily exercises is one important aspect of the Infirmary’s holistic approach in ensuring it provides comprehensive services.

“We cater to the mental, physical, social and spiritual well-being of our residents,” she assures.

Residents receive monthly doctor visits, ensuring their medical needs are met, with emergency cases handled at the Black River Hospital.

Proper nutrition is also prioritised, with the Infirmary providing a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats.

Mrs. Mitchell Smith emphasises that in a society where the most vulnerable are sometimes forgotten, the Infirmary is doing its part to ensure that residents not only receive the necessities of life but also experience dignity, respect and a sense of belonging.

She emphasises that the work of infirmaries is particularly important, given the changing demographics of Jamaica’s population.

“We have an aging population. What that means is that the older generation, when their children and grandchildren migrate or move out of the home, they are sometimes left to fend for themselves. Consequently, the infirmary is very important to the community because it helps to create a space for those persons… that has the professionals to care for them,” Mrs. Mitchell Smith explains.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, Errol Lebert, also underscores the importance of infirmaries and the role they play in society.

“The infirmaries provide services to the less fortunate in our society who have faced the challenges of aging… medical and other financial situations… and their families cannot assist them. As such, the Government has taken on that role of providing for those persons,” he states.

Mr. Lebert notes that the St. Elizabeth Infirmary’s unwavering commitment to its mandate of providing a haven for the indigent is evident in the accolades and awards the facility has received over the years.

“In 2012, we got an award from the Ministry of Local Government for our efforts in improving the welfare of the poor. Then in 2018, again, from the Ministry of Local Government… a Certificate of Appreciation. There was also one in 2018 from the St. James Municipal Corporation for Outstanding Contribution… and in 2018 again, Best Kept Infirmary… that was an award from the Ministry of Local Government,” he outlines.

The CEO adds that the awards mean a lot to the Corporation, as they indicate that its work is appreciated and that it has been meeting the standards set for the quality of care residents should receive.