EIGHT medical and non-medical employees of the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital in Westmoreland were recently honoured for long service and leadership.

The awardees were presented with commemorative plaques at the hospital’s 50th anniversary and awards presentation ceremony on the grounds of the facility in Grange Hill, in recognition of their contribution to the growth and development of the institution.

Pauline Lindo, who has been employed to the hospital for 43 years; Anthony Miller, 39 years; and Verly James, 30 years, were awarded for long and faithful service. Dr Vincent Chisholm, Dr Evan Nepaul, Pansie Brown, Nurse Vanessa Jones, and Ryan Cunningham, were recognised for outstanding service and leadership.

Minister with responsibility for information, Senator Sandrea Falconer, who delivered the main address at the function, commended the employees for their commitment to the mission of the hospital and their contributions to ensuring its success.

“I have every confidence that this hospital and its able leadership will not only engage itself in celebration, but use the benefit of introspection to contemplate its path for the next 50 years and beyond,” she stated.

Mayor of Savanna-la-Mar Councillor Bertel Moore, who brought greetings from the Westmoreland Parish Council, lauded the dedicated and hardworking staff who he said have made the parish proud.

At the same time, the mayor offered his assistance and co-operation in achieving the goals of the institution.

The awards ceremony formed part of the hospital’s Golden Jubilee celebration, which started on Sunday, July 20 with a service of thanksgiving at the United Church of Jamaica and Grand Cayman in Savanna-la-Mar.

The celebration will culminate in November with a fundraising walkathon sponsored by the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica, proceeds from which will be used to purchase drugs and equipment for the hospital.