In 2012, a 40 foot container with medical supplies and equipment arrived in Montego Bay, Jamaica for AFJ’s presentation to the Pediatric Ward at Cornwall Regional Hospital.
Cornwall Regional Hospital is more than 40 years old; over 1 million people rely on this facility in the Western part of the island. The Pediatric Ward admits approximately 2,000 children per year; from newborns to 12 year olds. The largest number of admissions of the Pediatric Ward are due to respiratory illnesses with infectious diseases being next highest. The majority of respiratory cases are premature babies.
The Pediatric Ward lacks both major and minor equipment, such as vital signs machines, oxygen saturation machines, and nebulizers; supplies that are essential to provide medical attention that Jamaican children deserve. Introduced to the AFJ by “We Care for Cornwall Regional”, the AFJ assessed the needs and challenges that this facility faces and determined help to improve the conditions at the hospital. Included in the 40 foot container were an ultra sound machine, vital sign monitors, suction machines, pulse oximeter, defibrillators, nebulizers, electric beds, cribs, gurneys, and wheelchairs.
The AFJ continues to support Cornwall Regional Hospital through collaboration with “We Care for Cornwall Regional”.
