CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – THE Alexandra Hospital on Nevis recently received a shot in the arm when the Minister of Health and Deputy Premier, the Hon. Hensley Daniel, formally handed over a new ultra-sound machine to the medical institution.
Minister Daniel made the presentation last Thursday (Sept. 24) in the presence of two donors’ representatives, hospital staff, members of the media and other interested parties.
The Minister said the new machine is proof that the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) intends to continue to marry technology and human resources.
“We have to ensure that we have the personnel to operate the machine so we get the required length of service.”
Daniel said he is certain that members of the Alexandra Hospital Auxiliary Society and the Bank of Nevis (BON) would like to know that the machine is well-taken care of.
The ultra-sound machine cost EC$313 000 of which the Society donated $75 000 and BON $15 000. The NIA put up the remaining $223 000.
Minister Daniel said machines break down in every country and they take time to repair and/or replace. He said when the previous ultra-sound machine began to malfunction, they recognised that refurbishment was not possible since it had become obsolete, “given the speed of the technology that is now available with these machines. So we took the decision to purchase a new machine”.
While thanking private service providers for filling in the interim, the Minister said the NIA recognises that diagnostic care is a critical aspect of overall preventative health care.
Thursday’s presentation follows the recent commissioning of a colposcopy machine and precedes the handing over of a steriliser, courtesy of the Children’s Mission in Pennsylvania in association with Mount Nevis Hotel. The presentation of the steriliser is slated for this week. The Minister said arrangements are also being made to have a CT scan unit at the hospital and that these measures are to ensure there is quality care for all at the hospital.
The Minister of Health revealed that the NIA is also investing in its human resources with government currently assisting some seven persons in studying medicine, six in nursing and several others in medical technology.
“Government is ensuring that we take the human resources to go with machines to provide the care - all in an environment where we are financially challenged and where all the funds come from government. There are no special funds.”
Also speaking at the presentation were President of the Alexander Hospital Auxiliary Society Sheila Evelyn, and Bronte Swanston-Hendrickson, Marketing Officer of BON.
Evelyn said the Society was pleased to be associated with the purchase of the machine and hopes it would continue to help improve health care on Nevis.
Swanston-Hendrickson also said BON was pleased to partner with the NIA and Ministry of Health. She said the bank’s donation demonstrates how committed it is to is motto of improving the quality of life of people on the island. She added that they recognised the machine is a very critical piece of equipment to the hospital and are happy that it is not able to resume diagnostic services there.
Among those present was St. Lucian-born Sylvestor Louis, who is the agent for the machine, and Aydza Bajandos, the application specialist for training from Puerto Rico.
Receiving the machine was Hospital Chief of Staff Dr. John Essien, while also present was Hospital Administrator Veta Morton.
