The Health Authority of Anguilla has come in for a considerable amount of praise from the Life Impact Centre for “for rising to the call,” the title of the sermon by Apostle Lucien McDonna.
The occasion was a special service of recognition on Sunday, February 24, calling attention to the dedicated work of the health institution despite unwarranted criticism.
Apart from the regular congregation of the church, located in the western area of Anguilla, the event was attended by the Elected Representative for District 7 and Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Cardigan Connor; Minister of Health and Social Development, Mr. Evans Rogers; Chief Executive Officer of the Health Authority, Mrs. Maeza Demis-Adams; members of the Board of Directors and other senior health personnel.
“You had one objective during and after Hurricane Irma and it was to take care of those persons who were hurt and stressed – and I believe you rose to the call,” Apostle McDonna told the Health Authority representatives. “When many people were running around the island to see and assess what was going on, you were trying to assess how to help the next patient. I want us here at the church to give you a round of applause.”
He continued: “While others were complaining, you also had a reason to complain, but you rose to the call and worked in conditions that were not favourable. Again, we give you a round of applause. When your families at home were still in shock, about what had just happened, you ran to the aid of the helpless – and when equipment was damaged and difficult to work with, you rose to serve. Today, we are simply here to thank you, and want to give you a standing ovation.
“Sometimes there are people of this island who are not truly appreciative of the service you give from the front office, to the back office, the operation room and to the EMS. But you work hard selflessly for long hours. Looking to where you came from, since Irma, God has been truly good to you and to us. Many nurses, doctors and other staff walked through the corridors dealing with the situation at hand – leaving their own homes and families undone to make sure they served the people well.”
A certificate, expressing thanks and appreciation from the church, was presented to the Health Authority’s CEO, Mrs. Demis-Adams, by Apostle McDonna and Mrs. Pauline McDonna.
Mr. Rogers, the Minister of Health, recalled the difficult situation at the hospital during the hurricane, with the galvanize roof being ripped off, water rushing in and nurses and doctors moving around traumatized patients. He was grateful to all of them for their work, under those difficult conditions, and for their continued services to the people of Anguilla.
The Minister thanked the Governor and the UK Government for providing funds for the restoration of the hospital, as well as residents and expatriates for their support. He also spoke about plans to further upgrade the healthcare services, including his commitment to an ultra modern hospital, and the eventual repurposing of the current institution as a senior citizen facility.
Earlier, Mr. Cardigan Connor applauded the Health Authority “for all it has done and continues to do” for the people of Anguilla. He was pleased that the hospital had overcome its difficulties during, and in the immediate aftermath of, Hurricane Irma – and was now enjoying much restoration and expansion.
