Shot in the arm for Cornwall Regional - American Friends of Jamaica gives medical supplies

MONTEGO BAY, St James:

Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay has received a 40-foot container of medical supplies valued at some J$9 million courtesy of the organisation American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ).

The container, which arrived in the island on July 29, contains, among other things, an ultra sound machine, vital sign monitors, suction machines, a pulse oximeter, defibrillators, and nebulisers.

Electric beds, cribs, infant diapers, gurneys, and wheelchairs were also included. The medical supplies and equipment will be presented to the Pediatric Ward.

Meeting needs

"We are thrilled to work in partnership with Cornwall Regional Hospital to ensure that essential health services are meeting the needs of communities in western Jamaica," said Ambassador Sue M. Cobb, AFJ president.

More than one million people rely on the Cornwall Regional Hospital for medical care, and its pediatric ward admits approximately 2,000 children - from newborns to 12 year olds - annually.

The largest number of admissions to the pediatric ward is due to respiratory illnesses and infectious diseases. Premature babies comprise the majority of respiratory cases. The ward is in need of equipment such as vital signs machines, oxygen-saturation machines, and nebulisers - supplies that are essential to provide medical attention to Jamaican children.

The AFJ was introduced by the group 'We Care for Cornwall Regional' and subsequently assessed the needs and challenges at the hospital and took active steps to help improve the conditions there. Improving the health care of Jamaican people and bridging the gap that exists in the system have been at the heart of the organisation's efforts.

"The AFJ seeks to ensure that the assistance we provide is evidence-based and that our efforts are spent maximising impact and improving people's lives," said Mark M. Jones, AFJ treasurer and vice-president.