The Black River Hospital (BRH) in St. Elizabeth has received furniture and medical equipment valued at $3.9 million, from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Santa Cruz Branch.
Senior Medical Officer at the BRH, Dr. Sheriff Imoru (3rd left) and Area Welfare and Self Reliance Manager of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Leroy Blake (3rd right) examine one of the blood pressure machines handed over to the hospital. Participating in the moment also are: Parish Manager of the St. Elizabeth Health Services, Sean Brissett (left), CEO of the BRH, Diana Miller (2nd left), Branch President of the church, Courtney Morrison (right) and Self Reliance Specialist at the church, Myrtle Myers Hall. The donation, which includes two gas stoves, two delivery beds, 21 blood pressure machines, six pulse oximeters, four nebulizers and ten wall fans, was handed over to the hospital on Monday, February 10.
Noting that the donation will have an immediate impact on the services that the hospital provides, Senior Medical Officer at the hospital, Dr. Sheriff Imoru, lauded the church group for its kind donation.
“At the Black River Hospital, we are constantly trying to provide healthcare at a high standard. The equipment and furniture that have been donated are well needed and will add to the effective management of our patients” Dr. Imoru said.
The Senior Medical Officer added that: “Healthcare requires great support and we are truly grateful. A blood pressure machine may seem small but it is so important in the management of a patient. We have high numbers of persons with respiratory issues and so the hospital utilizes these medical equipment perhaps every 15 to 30 minutes. These gifts will go a far way in helping the staff members to provide improved services.”
Meanwhile, Director of Operations and Maintenance at the Southern Regional Health Authority, Herschel Ismail lauded the church group for their partnership in helping the hospital to build their capacity.
“The gifts are already in use which speaks to the great need for it. It will certainly affect the hospital’s outcome and services. We commit to their maintenance to ensure the maximum life and use of the equipment. We
will be good stewards of these gifts” Mrs. Ismail said.
Branch President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Santa Cruz Branch, Courtney Morrison noted that it is the mandate of the church to help the community.
“Healthcare is one of the most important sectors in the socio economic development of any country and as a church we believe that it is important for all patients of this institution to have access to first class care” Mr. Morrison said.
The church, through its humanitarian arm has been officially providing assistance to the hospital for the last two years. Once per month, the members sacrifice a day’s money for food and contribute to the welfare fund to assist others.
