PATIENTS and staff at the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre on December 15 were reminded of the true meaning of Christmas through a luncheon made possible by telemedicine company MDLink.

Each year during this festive season MDLink hosts its annual Christmas luncheon for the patients and staff at the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre. This year, for the thrid instalment of the Christmas treat, MDLink staff joined Santa hat-clad patients to share food, dance and conversation — all in the spirit of charity.

Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre is a 66-bed hospital founded in 1954 during the polio epidemic. Today, the centre caters to patients with congenital illnesses, spinal cord injuries, and any other severe rehabilitation needs. This centre is made specially to provide for the needs of patients regardless of financial and social status. It’s relevance for MDLink’s goals of supporting Jamaican healthcare cannot be overstated.

Holding true to the values of the company, not only did the patients get a chance to engage with each other and MDLink staff, but the treat also served the health-care staff at the centre who tirelessly care for the patients throughout the year.

Founder, CEO and chief medical officer at MDLink, Dr Ché Bowen offered a word of encouragement for the Christmas season and a blessing over the patients and the food.

He assured those in attendance of the gratitude and pride he has in this yearly project and noted that as the years go on, he hopes the luncheon can continue to support this facility and its patients.

Additionally, Dr Bowen acknowledged the hard work of his staff who put together this event, making sure everything ran as smoothly and safely as possible for the patients.

With a turnout of more than 60 patients and staff, Dr Bowen shared that this was MDLink’s biggest Christmas luncheon yet. The day was made possible by sponsors Chef Shea Stewart of Elite Kreations and Grace Foods, who provided the food, Tru-Juice who provided the beverages, and Blueprint Events who set up the decor and sound for the day’s activities.

As the event ended everyone displayed full gratitude and contentment with the afternoon.

Dr Bowen maintained that MDLink looks to continue giving back to the health-care community in anyway it can as it seeks to modernise and develop the industry in Jamaica and the Caribbean region.