UWI gives $15 000 for QEH children

THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL has benefited from a donation of $15 000 to help improve its medical services in the Paediatrics Department.
On Monday evening, principal of the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, Sir Hilary Beckles, in making the donation, said $20 000 had been accumulated over a ten-day period from staff and the university’s retirees association.
“Each year at the UWI when we are celebrating Christmas and in the festive mood, we always take time out to reflect on the children, and each year we reflect on the children who are not home with their families and not in the best of health,” he said.
Sir Hilary said he knew the special children in the Paediatrics Ward needed the best of care, and added that he was aware that at times equipment could be a challenge because of the cost.
“We know the condition here and we know they need the best equipment, so we are hoping that this $15 000 can contribute to the welfare of these children,” he said while presenting the cheque to Director of Medical Services Dr Delores Lewis.
Sir Hilary revealed that the additional $5 000 would be sent to St Lucia to aid the children who were affected by Tropical Storm Tomas.
“We are hoping that this money would assist with books and other learning materials for those children” he said.
Lewis said the hospital was exceptionally pleased and always happy to receive donations outside of Government because health care costs were extremely high.
“This money will go a long way in assisting the department. We have a lot of children on the ward and I can’t say how happy I am because every little bit helps and its going to improve our medical services here,” Lewis said.
She added that the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit was in need of equipment, among them oxygen machines and heart monitors.