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.
In partnership with “We Care for Cornwall Regional”, the AFJ presented a ventilator and portable pediatric monitor to the hospital in June of 2021.
The main hospital was closed in 2020 due to an exposure to toxic spores. Subsequent construction on the children’s hospital is delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.The hospital is currently operating in a series of makeshift wards.
