Dear Editor,

I am writing to share a deeply meaningful experience that reflects both the compassion of an individual staff member and the power of community support at Annotto Bay Hospital in St Mary, Jamaica.

Last May I was admitted to the hospital for three nights following a serious fall that resulted in a broken arm, requiring surgery. During my stay in the female surgical ward I had the privilege of meeting Shauna Thomas, a member of the hospital’s cleaning staff, whose kindness and care left a lasting impression on me.

Shauna went above and beyond her duties. She ensured that I had a hot cup of coffee and breakfast before the end of her night shift at 7:00 am, and she consistently checked in on patients with warmth, humour, and genuine concern. Her presence brought comfort and dignity to everyone in the ward.

During my stay, I also became aware of some of the challenges within the ward, including non-functioning fans that made conditions difficult for patients. After returning home, I donated fans and a kettle from my own household to the female surgical ward to help improve conditions.

This initial effort grew into a broader community initiative. With the support of friends, family, and supporters — many from Canada — we organised a GoFundMe campaign to further assist the hospital. Through this collective effort we were able to send down additional items, including curtains, clothing, medical supplies, masks, shampoo, and soap to support both patients and staff.

This experience reminded me that healing is not only about medical treatment, but also about compassion, initiative, and community. Shauna embodies these values in her daily work, and the generosity of those who contributed made a tangible difference in improving conditions at the hospital.

Patricia “Auntie Pat” Trainor

Portland, Jamaica

pattieanntrainor@gmail.com