A donation of critical medical equipment valued at approximately US$20,000 (more than J$3 million) is set to improve care for newborns and young children at Black River Hospital in St Elizabeth, while supporting the facility’s ongoing recovery efforts, following Hurricane Melissa.

The donation, facilitated through a partnership involving the Rotary Club of St Andrew North, Rotary International, and United Way Worldwide, included an infant warmer, an infant incubator, two infusion pumps and a photo-therapy lamp.

President of the Rotary Club of St Andrew North Pierpont Wilson said the donation was made after learning of the impact Hurricane Melissa had on the hospital.

“These are not merely pieces of equipment, they represent hope for newborns, they represent support for parents during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives, they represent improved care, better health outcomes, and a stronger health-care system for the people of St Elizabeth and the surrounding communities,” said Wilson.

Regional director of the Southern Regional Health Authority Michael Bent welcomed the partnership and noted that the donation comes at a critical time as the hospital continues its recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Some of the equipment donated to the Black River Hospital through a partnership involving the Rotary Club of St Andrew North, Rotary International, and United Way Worldwide

“Having gone through a Category 5 hurricane in the direct path of the hurricane, this partnership was something that we welcomed. This partnership not only helps to improve the service, but it also helps to build back that level of hope for the caregivers down in the facility,” Bent said.

He explained that the equipment will directly benefit newborns and children receiving care at the hospital and support health-care professionals working in the paediatric unit.

Bent also highlighted the resilience of the Black River Hospital team, which continued to provide essential services, including surgeries and maternity care, despite extensive damage to sections of the facility.

The equipment is expected to benefit the more than 150,000 residents who depend on the hospital, representing another important step in the facility’s continued recovery following Hurricane Melissa.

The items were handed over on last Friday at the Jamaica National Corporate Offices in St Andrew.