WESTMORELAND, JAMAICA – More than 100 expectant mothers are set to receive improved maternal care at the Negril Health Centre following the donation of $575,000 worth of essential monitoring equipment by the Sandals Foundation.

The donation includes a digital beam scale and a vital signs monitor, addressing critical needs for monitoring pregnant women at the facility.

The Negril Health Centre serves a vital role in the community, offering healthcare to pregnant women aged 16 and older. However, with vital observation instruments no longer functional, healthcare professionals faced challenges in delivering the best care. As part of its continued investment into the island’s healthcare infrastructure, the Sandals Foundation responded to the need, collaborating with local health authorities to procure the much-needed equipment to strengthen prenatal care for expectant mothers.

“Being able to monitor the developments during pregnancy ensures the health and safety of both mother and baby,” said Heidi Clarke, executive director of the Sandals Foundation. “The provided equipment will allow for early detection of potential problems as well as timely interventions to prevent complications during this vulnerable time of a woman’s life.”

The donation was made possible through coordinated efforts with the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), which oversees the facility’s operations, and Jamaica Hospital Supplies, the designated supplier that facilitated the delivery of the equipment.

WRHA representative Novlin Little expressed appreciation for the donation, emphasising its positive effect on the mothers served by the Negril Health Centre.

“This contribution means a great deal to the expectant mothers in our community,” Little said. “With the new equipment, we can provide more accurate monitoring and improved care, ensuring healthier pregnancies and better outcomes for both mothers and their babies.”

The Sandals Foundation supports mothers and newborns across the Caribbean by helping to provide the tools needed for safe pregnancies and early infant care. This donation is part of a shared effort to ensure that more mothers receive the care they need and that babies have a healthy start in life. It also aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring good health and well-being for all, reinforcing the importance of quality healthcare for every mother and child.

Upon attending his clinical at the Negril Health Centre, little Nicandro Nichol was fascinated with the newly donated digital beam scale courtesy of the Sandals Foundation – looking on in admiration is Midwife Kayon Blackwood (left) and General Manager for Sandals Negril Melissa Clarke (right). (Contributed Photo)