MANDEVILLE, Manchester — The seventh annual awards and staff appreciation on the lawns of the Mandeville Regional Hospital (MRH) two weeks was a refreshing respite for those who were able to get away from work at the busy public health facility.

For retirees Dr Hopeton Falconer, who served the hospital from 1981-2012; Dr Juliet Wynter-Daley (1999-2012); Delone Cover, radiographer from 1977-2012; and Valrie Thompson, ward assistant from 1984-2012, it was a formal recognition of service at the close of a chapter of their professional lives.

Acting Senior Medical Officer of the MRH, Dr Everton McIntosh said despite budgetary constraints, it was important to show appreciation and expressed hope that the function would strengthen team members “to strive for greater heights”.

In his 2011-2012 report, Chief Executive Officer Alwyn Miller said that without the hard work and commitment of staff and the generous support of local and international benefactors, the continued delivery of service would not be possible, as demands have increased.

“The Mandeville Regional Hospital remains the referral secondary centre for the parishes of St Elizabeth, Manchester and Clarendon. (It) has seen a steady increase in the utilisation of most clinical services by clientele within and beyond the boundaries of the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA). The reliance on secondary health care facilities as the provider for some primary health care-related issues continues to be a major feature, resulting in an annual A&E (Accident and Emergency) attendance of approximately some 70,000 patients annually,” he said.

He added: “…. Many achievements within various departments of this hospital are many times driven by staff members who advocate and give of their own resources with a view to elevat(ing) the standard of service to the public. It may be assumed that this level of commitment is obligatory as employees, but I suggest to you that there is much more being done by personnel outside of their core duties. Today, we applaud all the unheralded heroes.”

The hospital’s first display cabinet for top benefactors was unveiled at the function. For significant and consistent donations to the hospital, the Rotary Club of Mandeville, the Lions Club of Mandeville, Food for the Poor, Manchester Wellness Foundation, Central Manchester Returned Citizens’ Association and Power Services Limited were invited to install nameplates.