Neonatal services at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital (VJH) have been boosted with the donation of a mechanical ventilator, valued at approximately JA $4M, from the Guardian Life Limited and the Guardian Group Foundation.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony on July 30, Dr. Yanique Brown, Consultant Paediatrician and Head of the Neonatal Care Unit, VJH, said that the machine, which has already been put into use by the hospital since March, has strengthened the efforts made by the department to treat more babies with severe respiratory challenges. She added that the hospital now has three ventilators.
Dr. Brown also expressed thanks to the donors for their demonstration of corporate social responsibility and in the public health interest of Jamaicans.
In January, the Guardian Group Foundation donated surgical equipment, valued at US$9000 to the Kingston Public Hospital. Dr. Stephanie Reid, Chairman of the Kingston Public and Victoria Jubilee Hospitals’ Management Committee, expressed profound gratitude to the donors for their continued support, adding that this life-saving equipment will go a far way in assisting the department to save more premature neonates.
The Victoria Jubilee Hospital delivers 7000 babies annually and 300 infants are admitted per month in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.