Black River Hospital gets a boost

Healthcare services at the Black River Hospital in St Elizabeth have received a significant boost following the donation of approximately $60 million in medical equipment and supplies from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The donation, which was officially handed over last Friday, includes neonatal, maternal and other critical hospital equipment aimed at improving patient care and strengthening the hospital’s capacity as it continues to recover from the impact of Hurricane Melissa. Regional Director of the Southern Regional Health Authority, Michael Bent, welcomed the contribution, describing it as an important investment in the health and well-being of the parish’s people.

“It is more than just handing over of equipment and supplies. It represents continued investment. I just want the Church of the Latter-day Saints to know that it is not just a giving, but you are investing in the lives of people, of citizens that use the Black River Hospital,” Bent said.

He explained that approximately $7.85 million of the donation covers neonatal equipment and supplies, including infant incubators, radiant infant warmers, infant resuscitation equipment, paediatric blankets and baskets. The remaining $52.2 million covers other essential hospital equipment, including patient monitors, transport ventilators, warming systems, pharmacy refrigerators, stretchers, hospital beds and electrocardiogram machines.

“For our healthcare workers, it means having the tools they need to do their jobs effectively. For our mothers and babies, it means improved capacity to provide care when they are most needed. And for the people of St Elizabeth, it means a stronger Black River Hospital,” Bent added.

He noted that the donation comes at a critical time as the hospital continues its recovery following Hurricane Melissa, which caused significant damage to its infrastructure and disrupted healthcare services. He pointed out that despite the challenges, healthcare workers remained committed to serving patients, even while managing the personal effects of the hurricane.

Meanwhile, Mission President of the Jamaica Kingston Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Royce Britton, expressed appreciation for the dedication of healthcare workers and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to supporting communities through humanitarian initiatives.

“We want to do more. We wish we can do more. We plan to do more,” said Britton.