Charlestown-Nevis—The Gender Affairs Division of the Department of Social Services on Nevis, presented a very important piece of equipment to the Alexandra Hospital on Wednesday 11th May.
At a brief ceremony, which was held at the Hospital’s conference room and ably chaired by Hospital Administrator, Mr. Gary Pemberton, Mr. Wayne Maynard officially handed over a fetal monitor, otherwise referred to as an antepartum monitor to Dr. John Essien, Gynecologist at the hospital.
In giving a historical overview of the specific project put in place, in order to acquire the equipment, Mr. Maynard noted that as members of his department sat in a planning session, the idea was raised as to the significant contributions of mothers or persons who have acted in that responsible role in their absence and how they can be truly honoured and their legacy commemorated.
Out of that discussion came the idea of getting family members throughout the wider Nevisian community to contribute towards a cause that will effectively celebrate mothers and their noteworthy contributions towards the welfare of the general community.
Persons who contributed were able to submit their mother’s name or the name of a significant individual who had helped to shape their lives, to be placed on a memorial plaque which will be mounted in a public place, at a later date.
‘The response from the community was overwhelming,’ noted Maynard. Having received the monetary contributions, they the consulted with the Hospital Administration officials and sought to find out what kind of help was needed.
They were informed of the dire need for the monitor and so it was purchased using the donations received, to a tune of over $10,000.00
Dr. Essien, in accepting the gift, thanked the Social Services Department and more especially, the Gender Affairs Unit for the initiative.
He noted that more equipment is still required at the hospital but pointed out that the equipment will go a long way in assisting the processes and procedures performed at the Hospital, more so at the Maternity Ward.
He gave a brief explanation as to the workings and value of the machine, stating that once problems are identified with the unborn child, then the Doctors and Nurses can deal with the issues and save lives.
The electronic fetal monitor is used by Medical Practitioners to check an unborn baby’s heart rate and keep tabs on how he/she is doing and also to analyze how the baby is coping with the contractions.
Also present at the ceremony were: Matron Sinica Dias; Medical chief of staff-Dr. Cardel BAL Rawlins; Mrs. Shelly-Jones-Liburd and Mrs. Margaret Grant