The Supreme Ventures Foundation has donated approximately $13 million to renovate and improve the functionality of  the main doctors’ lounges at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), with the largest allocations going towards refurbishing the Anaesthesia Area and the Nurse’s Lounge at $4 million and $2.3 million respectively.

According to the Foundation, the hope is to not only support the provision of better working conditions, but also boost morale among staff at the hospital.

SVF Director Heather Goldson noted the importance of supporting health care workers, particularly during the difficult period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our healthcare workers are consistently under tremendous pressure, and the last two years could easily be measured at the regular level multiplied by 10. We have to support them in any way we can, and we hope this project once completed helps in making their lives easier and more comfortable as they work tirelessly to save lives,” she said.

The donation forms part of the Foundation’s continued efforts to aid in the improvement of the country’s healthcare sector. 

Earlier this year, SVF donated a mobile ultrasound machine to the diagnostic department at The University Hospital of the West Indies’ (UHWI). The Foundation also donated $4 million to the UHWI in 2018 which assisted in the purchase of a portable echocardiogram machine.

As the fight against COVID-19 continues, SVF said it hopes to encourage healthcare workers and Jamaican citizens to stay positive as each person plays their part to end the pandemic.

“Our frontline heroes are so deserving of our ultimate respect, recognition and support; donations to projects such as these ensure we recognize their sacrifice,” stated Goldson.

Dr Christine Stephen, head of the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care at KPH, said the hospital was grateful for the donation.

“Thanks to the gracious support of the Supreme Ventures Foundation, the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care at the Kingston Public and Victoria Jubilee Hospitals will benefit from well-needed renovations to several areas of the hospital we heavily utilise. These include our administrative office, lounge and call-room facilities as well as a family conference area,” she said.

She noted that the department was thankful for the initiative as it would significantly improve the working conditions of doctors and nurses who spend a considerable amount of time within the hospital caring for the island’s sickest patients.