The long-standing Friends of the Hospital have made their annual donation in the sum of US $2, 200 to the Dialysis Unit at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
President of the philanthropic organisation, Ms. Audrey Brooks, made the presentation on Monday, June 25. “We have come with our little donation to help and support our brothers and sisters who use the Dialysis Unit,” she told the gathering. “We are grateful to the workers who look after the patients and know their pain. We are thankful to those who assisted us in raising the funds.”
Newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Health Authority of Anguilla, Mrs. Maeza Demis-Adams, said that the Friends of the Hospital had been the only organisation solely focusing its services on the hospital in supporting the work of the healthcare staff.
“Over the years you, the Friends of the Hospital, have consistently supported various departments and this department, you are supporting on this occasion, has a special place in my heart,” she stated. “That is because when I was a Nurse at the hospital, I worked in the Dialysis Unit.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your invaluable support. We appreciate you, and every year we look forward to your assistance – which you have given over the past fourteen years – especially now that with our financial constraints it is very difficult to rally funds for a cause.
“Thank you, again, and we look forward to our continuing collaboration and for any suggestions as to how we can move the work of the hospital forward. We commend you for the work you are doing, and that others can use you as a beacon of assistance.”
The Manager of the Dialysis Unit, Nurse Mrs. June Raynes-Christopher, said that, in keeping with its mission, the Unit was continuing to provide quality dialysis for its patients in a cost-effective manner. She noted that the provision of the holistic care of patients involved a disciplined team of internists, nurses, dieticians and pharmacists – and that the treatment was very expensive.
Nurse Raynes-Christopher stressed however that “the Health Authority of Anguilla remains committed to providing optimum care to all of its clients.” She added: “It is partners like you, the Friends of the Hospital, that can assist tremendously in helping us to fulfil our philosophy statement.
“This year the Dialysis Unit continues to work on the mandate of client education, ensuring that the necessary information is provided for all clients. Educational sessions have been conducted in the clinics, and the secondary school, in collaboration with the Nutrition and Health Promotion Unit.”
The presentation ceremony was chaired by Mr. Malcolm Webster, Director of Facilities, and the Vote of Thanks was delivered by Mrs. Alicia Haywood, Departmental Manager.
