ST ANN, Jamaica — As coronavirus cases continue to soar and hospitals around the island run low on medical oxygen, the St Ann’s Bay Hospital received a new portable ventilator to improve the health of patients.

This is the third ventilator donated to the hospital by Ian Clough, a Jamaican respiratory therapist who lives abroad.

The new addition will not only aid in the fight against the coronavirus.

“The ventilator will assist patients who need to be transported out of the hospitals, to the different wards, or in the operation room,” Clough said. “The ventilator is designed to be used by adults and adolescents”.

The philanthropist, who also ensures the machines are maintained, said his intention is to continue making generous donations to the hospital.

“My friends and family use this hospital so it’s very important we have working equipment here. If I am here and anything goes wrong with me, I would also use this hospital,” Clough said.

He explained that he took responsibility for ensuring the devices are maintained.

“This is the third unit that was given back to the hospital and from time to time I would stop by to ensure all the equipment that I donated are in good condition,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of the St Ann’s Bay Hospital, Dr Dennis Morgan explained the importance of the equipment to the functionality of the hospital and providing efficient and quality care to patients.

“Anytime we can get an additional tool in the fight against COVID we are always grateful and are particularly grateful for this equipment because ventilators are key in our battle against the virus,” he said. “This now adds to our arsenal and the doctors and nurses will be extremely grateful.”

Clough, who also resides in St Ann, is no stranger to giving back to his community.

“I believe that life is not purposeful until you contribute to it in a meaningful way and it doesn’t have to deal with money but the value of the product that you give,” Clough told OBSERVER ONLINE.

Councillor for the Exchange Division in the St Ann Municipal Corporation, Ian Isaacs, who also spearheaded the donation, expressed gratitude to Clough, who he said “has a heart of gold”.

“Every year he contributes to either an educational institution or the St. Ann’s Bay hospital and we are very grateful for this equipment which we believe will aid … in saving lives”, Isaacs said.

Clough hosted Twenty20 cricket competitions for 11 consecutive years through the Lloyd Clough Foundation, where community members’ blood pressure and sugar levels were tested, and students received back-to-school equipment.

He also hosted back-to-school events at the Exchange All-Age School and donated stethoscopes to the Browns Town Community College Nursing School.

Donicka Robinson