UHWI lauds Desnoes & Geddes Foundation for field hospital support
THANKS TO the rapid response of several private-sector entities, including the Desnoes & Geddes (D&G) Foundation, a 48-bed facility is now open at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) as part of the country’s COVD-19 response.
“Jamaica’s success in fighting the pandemic is rooted in a collective response. We are delighted that the D&G Foundation has joined us to improve our COVID-19 care. Ours was a huge ask, but the foundation’s swift response allows us to do what we need to do for patient care. Their support is a signal that we are not alone in this fight, and together, we will be better able to serve the Jamaican family,” said Dr Carl Bruce, medical chief of staff, UHWI.
The D&G Foundation donated $2 million to construction costs of the new facility, which Dr Bruce said will also help the hospital maintain its teaching programme for medical students.
“Even as we remain focused on pandemic response, we must also continue to train and certify the next generation of Caribbean physicians. The addition of this new facility allows us to improve COVID19 patient care, treat other emergencies and urgent cases, as well as deliver on teaching and research,” he said.
The 15-year-old D&G Foundation is the charitable arm of Red Stripe and has long backed community and social development projects that support the well-being of Jamaicans. “UHWI is one of our best defences to save lives. However, we know that the pressures of providing healthcare at this time could have ripple effects long into the future. So, we are honoured to stand with the hospital staff and do all we can to ensure the very best outcomes for the community,” said Dennis Beckford, accountant, D&G Foundation.