Medical Supplies Donated to Spanish Town Hospital and St. Jago Health Centre

The Spanish Town Hospital and the St. Jago Health Centre in St. Catherine have benefited from some US$28,000 worth of equipment donated by a medical team from Florida.
The presentation of the supplies, which include blood pressure and diabetic machines, was made on Friday (June 17) at the health centre.
Accepting the gift on behalf of the hospital, Chief Executive Officer, Pauline Reid thanked the group for their support, which she said would assist in improving the overall health of patients. She said that the supplies came at a time when “we have great needs.”
The medical professionals, who are members of the outreach ministry of the Beulah Baptist International Church in Tampa, arrived in the island on Thursday, June 9 for a 10-day medical mission. The membership included a paediatrician, nurses, pharmacists, clinical social worker and an infectious disease coordinator.
During their stay on the island, the team visited the Rio Cobre Boy’s Home, the Fort Augusta Adult Correctional Centre, the Sydenham Health Centre and the Armadale Girls’ Home in St. Ann. At these institutions, they conducted health education sessions, offered counselling and provided medical services.
Additionally, a community health fair was held at the St. Jago Health Centre where more than 153 patients, including adults and children, were treated for various illnesses.
Elloreece Burrell, coordinator for the Jamaica outreach ministry, the local organizers of the medical mission, told JIS News that the group has been visiting the island since 1997, to bring in medical supplies for health clinics, give free medical services and to help “where the need is great.”
Mrs. Burrell said a donation of US$1,000 was also handed over to the Stratmore Children’s Home to assist in restoring the facilities, which was damaged by Hurricane Ivan last September. “We know the need is great and if we could help in one little corner of Jamaica, we will,” she said.
Mrs. Burrell expressed appreciation for the assistance from the Kiwanis Club of the First City, Caymanas Business District and the Jamaica Medical Assistance Committee during the group’s stay on the island.