ST THOMAS, Jamaica — Patients and staff at the Princess Margaret Hospital in St Thomas can now look forward to a cooler and more comfortable environment following the donation of 35 industrial fans by the Masonic Homes.

The gift, valued just over $1.7 million, was presented to the hospital during a ceremony held at the facility on Wednesday.

St Thomas Health Services Parish Manager, Steve Riley, expressed appreciation for the equipment, noting that it will enhance the patient experience at the hospital.

“We are, indeed, happy. The staff will be in a better place. The patients will feel much better. As we continue to ensure that the environment here at Princess Margaret Hospital improves, in terms of our patient care, this is just another area of improving our hospital,” Riley said.

He also commended the Masonic Homes for demonstrating the principles of brotherly love, relief and truth through the donation.

Chairman of the Masonic Homes, Dr Donald Reynolds, noted that the donation is one of many charitable initiatives undertaken by the organisation in fulfilling its mandate.

“The Masonic Homes is a Freemasons organisation formed by all three Masonic constitutions in Jamaica – the English, the Irish, and the Scottish. The objective is to do charitable work among the aged and infirmed in our society,” he said.

Dr Reynolds added that, “people don’t see this part of us very often. But we are persons who are part of society and contribute to society; and we contribute generously… we’ve done that for many years”.

The fans were welcomed by various department heads at the hospital, who spoke about the rising temperatures being experienced across the country and their impact on comfort levels at the facility.

“[This is] timely, as we are in the midst of the summer season and I know persons have been complaining about the heat, not only on the wards but in other areas. I know these gifts will go a far way… and they will be a comfort to our patients and our staff members,” said Human Resources Manager, Denise James.

Representing the Accident and Emergency Department, Dr Miossoty Johnson also expressed gratitude for the donation.

“Princess Margaret Hospital has been named one of the cleanest hospitals. We want to be one of the coolest ones as well. So, we’re very grateful, on behalf of the doctors, for this gift for the patients, for their relatives, and for the staff. It really comes at a time when we need the relief,” Dr Johnson said.

—    JIS