Kingston, Jamaica: Tuesday, March 18, 2025: The South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) proudly announces the completion of a pivotal training programme for fifteen (15) nurses at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital (VJH) Maternal and Neonatal Unit. Facilitated by the Issa Foundation in partnership with the Centre for Global Health at Connecticut Children’s Hospital, this five-month programme is designed to elevate maternal and neonatal care through advanced nursing skills and best practices.
The initiative has already led to observable improvements in new-born care, highlighting the transformative power of combining education with practice. Nurses who underwent a two week hands-on competency assessment are now better equipped to care for high-risk newborns with newfound confidence and expertise.
Complementing this training, the Issa Foundation has generously donated critical nursing supplies to fortify the unit’s capacity. This synchronized effort aims to ensure that every newborn receives the compassionate, skilled care they deserve.
Diane Pollard, President of the Issa Foundation, emphasized, "Our goal is to expand this training regionally. We are committed to bolstering healthcare professionals, capabilities, ultimately enhancing neonatal care across Jamaica."
Dr. Samantha Walker, Head of the NICU at VJH, noted significant strides made, "With the evolving demands of neonatal care, empowering our nurses with knowledge and tools is paramount. The changes we;ve witnessed in patient outcomes are truly heartening."
Mr. Wentworth Charles, Board Chairman of SERHA, praised the collaborative effort,
attributing future improvements in Jamaica's healthcare landscape to such partnerships. "This initiative is a testament to the enduring impact of collaborative healthcare efforts."
Dr. Sheron Wagner, co-leader of the training team, commended, "Equipped with the right training, our nurses are now offering their best care, enhanced by excellent hospital resources."
SERHA and its partners continue to seek ways to improve healthcare standards,encouraging similar collaborative efforts in this region (the largest of the four regions). For more information on upcoming initiatives or to extend your support, please contact our SERHA’s social media pages on Instagram, Facebook, and X @theserhajm.
Ms. Diane Pollard (first left), President of the Issa Foundation, along with Paul Issa (third left), shares a moment with Mr. Wentworth Charles (second right), Board Chairman of SERHA; Mr. Graham, CEO of Victoria Jubilee Hospital (VJH); and Dr. Samantha Walker, Head of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at VJH. The occasion marks the completion of a specialized nurse training program aimed at strengthening the hospital’s neonatal unit and improving care for newborns in critical condition.
Comments