Hospitals Receive 50 Wheelchairs

The four major public hospitals in western Jamaica have received 50 wheelchairs from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Montego Bay, through the charity organization, Food for the Poor.

The largest health institution, the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay received 20 wheelchairs, while 10 each were presented to the Falmouth Public Hospital in Trelawny; the Noel Holmes Hospital in Hanover; and the Savanna-la-Mar General Hospital in Westmoreland.

Making the presentations at the Cornwall Regional Hospital on February 2, Roman Catholic Bishop of Montego Bay, the Most Reverend Burchell McPherson, said the donations, especially to the Cornwall Regional Hospital, resulted from a personal experience.

Rev. McPherson said while receiving medical assistance for a leg injury at that hospital, he discovered that the institution needed more wheelchairs, so he  approached Food for the Poor, which donated 50 through the Diocese of Montego Bay.

Meanwhile, Senior Administrator at the Cornwall Regional Hospital, Keriesa Bell Cummings, said the donation of 20 wheelchairs could not have come at a better time.

“We are very grateful for this donation. Wheelchairs are always required for use at the hospital and we thank them for coming on board to assist us with delivering health care in an excellent manner. We are seeing an increase in patient load, so it could not have come at a better time,” she added.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the Savanna-la-Mar General Hospital, Acting Chief Executive Office, Camile Lewin, said she is overwhelmed by the donation, as the institution is in dire need.

The 50 wheelchairs are valued at $1.25 million.