NUTTALL Memorial Hospital has taken the initiative to raise funds for the institution while giving back to the community with its inaugural Pre- Mothers’ Day Mott’s Apple Juice/Nuttall Memorial Hospital 5K Road Race and Health Fair Saturday, May 11.

The health facility hopes to raise $10 million toward improvement of the current facilities at the 90-year-old institution.

Proceeds from the 5K Road Race & Health Fair will be used to refurbish and equip the hospital’s six-bedroom ward, the Gunter Wing, and the eight-bed Intensive Care Unit. This renovation forms part of the institution’s overall five-year redevelopment plan to completely refurbish the medical facility.

Chief executive officer of the Nuttall Memorial Hospital, Harvey Levers, explains the significance of renovating the facility. “Nuttall is seeking to regain its prominence within the health care industry where, in decades gone by, it was widely regarded as the premier medical facility of its kind in Jamaica, catering to thousands of Jamaicans who desired top-class private medical treatment right here at home,” he said.

In keeping with their mandate from the Anglican Diocese, the Hospital’s Redevelopment Committee is seeking to raise a significant portion of the targeted $250 million by December 7, 2013 when it celebrates its 90th anniversary. The monetary total is to be used to fully renovate and refurbish the physical plant and equipment of the hospital.

Approximately US$225,000 ($22 million) is required to complete the restoration under the hospital’s redevelopment plans and organisers aim at raising half of this amount through the 5K Road Race & Health Fair.

The hospital’s aim is not only to raise funds, but to provide medical care, improve participants’ well-being, and increase awareness of health issues through the event. The fair, which gets underway on the hospital grounds after the race, will feature many free medical check-ups, including blood pressure, blood sugar, eye, heart, sexually transmitted diseases, and diabetes.

As corporate companies increasingly find ways to give back to the society, at least one company, the Wisynco Group, has recognised the needs of the medical facility and has stepped up to the plate to assist in raising funds for the long-standing private hospital.

Through this partnership, Wisynco will provide significant support for the event to augment the hospital’s efforts to achieve its objective and restore an institution that has served the Jamaican society for nine decades.

Wisynco will commit other brands Powerade, Wata and Nature Valley to the event.