As Jamaicans continue to recognise the selfless service of nurses islandwide for Nurses’ Week 2023, National Baking Company Limited joined in on the action by donating 380 goodie bags loaded with healthy snacks at the Bustamante Hospital for Children on Wednesday, July 19.

The handover was done in partnership with the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA). Each National goodie bag contained a varied selection from the baking company’s product line of healthy snacks, such as chickpeas in both spicy and original; National Nuts in honey roasted flavour , lightly salted, fruit and nut; National yellow sweet potato chips and other baked products.    

The team of nurses who benefited included: nurse managers, specialist nurses, registered nurses, enrolled assistant nurses, patient care assistants, psychiatric nurse aides and community health aides. 

Marsha-Lee Stewart, brand manager at Continental Baking Company, was excited to make the donation because of the recognition it gives for the significant contribution of all nurses to the health sector and the nation at large. 

“Without our nurses, we would not be able to continue and operate as efficiently as our hospitals do, so we have decided to treat the nurses at the Bustamante Hospital for Children. This is our second year participating and we are all about giving back to the community and giving back to the nation,” Stewart said.

Speaking at the handover, Stewart also extended words of encouragement to the nursing professionals in attendance.

She said: “As we celebrate our nurses by showing appreciation during this week, we want to encourage you to maintain your professionalism, continue to upgrade your skills, apply the training received and be reminded of the reason you chose this profession. Not everyone can perform your duties with the proficiency and skills, which you display each day. Never forget how special and invaluable your service is to our country.” 

The National brand manager said the bakery will embark on more projects in different areas of the health sector this year, such as health fairs and 5K run/walk events, in furtherance of its commitment to doing its part in supporting the health sector. 

Errol Greene, regional director of SERHA, thanked the National for the support and kind donations while applauding Jamaican nurses for their relentless efforts. 

“Our nurses play an integral role in the care and well-being of patients. Nurses’ self-sacrificing spirit helps with the healing and speedy recovery of those for whom they care. It is said that doctors make you live, but nurses make you want to live. They are the dependable support to our physicians, as you identify and report changes to the condition of patients,” Greene said. 

“Our nurses must be acknowledged for living up to their creed, which requires patience and resilience, especially in the sometimes volatile environment in which duties are performed. As a nation, we depend on our nurses to be adaptable to constant changes and demands of the field. There is also high expectation from the public that our nurses will keep abreast of advancements in patient care,” he said.

Greene also said that despite the major challenges, the nation is cognizant of the nurses’ ability to strike a balance between their work and personal life, putting the interest of patients first, acting as counsellors, prayer warriors and friends to those in need.