- Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
Dr. Sonia Thomas, senior medical officer at Bustamante Hospital for children and acting matron Marcia Lynn-Cook cut the ribbon to open the new nurses' hostel on the grounds of the hospital on Thursday. Looking on are (from left) Dr. Doreen Millard-Bullock, Cannon Ewart Gordon, Ainsley Edwards, Minister John Junor and president of Kiwanis Club of North St. Andrew, Leighton McKnight.
Avia Ustanny, Freelance Writer
THE NURSES of the Bustamante Children's Hospital now have a new home, courtesy of the Friends of the Hospital, the North St. Andrew Kiwanis and private sector members who contributed to the cause.
The opening ceremony for the new 12-apartment building, located on grounds of the hospital, was done with much fanfare on Thursday, with special invitees in attendance for the ribbon cutting.
Nurses stood around with pleased smiles on their faces as acting matron, Mrs. Marcia Lyn-Cook spoke about how much the new facility was needed at the medical institution.
"I am thankful to all who have made this happen. Frequently our nurses cannot afford accommodation nearby. Some have to travel from as far away as Greater Portmore. Having a hostel will help us to improve the quality care we give.
"The Friends of the Bustamante Hospital," she said, "continued to provide invaluable support to the institution."
Total expenditure on the new apartment building was J$12 million. The modern, two storey facility with its 12 studio units also has a central laundry area and parking facilities.
Minister of Health John Junor, guest speaker at the event, said that the efforts of the Kiwanis Club of North St. Andrew and the Friends of the Bustamante Hospital was proof positive that the spirit of volunteerism was still alive and well in Jamaica.
"It takes a village to raise a child," the Minister said, noting that the hostel will facilitate better service for clients by making nursing staff more accessible.
President of the Kiwanis Club of North St. Andrew, Mr. Leighton McKnight, said "Now that the hostel is completed and will be occupied by additional nursing staff, this will enhance the delivery of health care while simultaneously providing secure, comfortable yet affordable housing accommodation for the nurses."
Mr. Ainsley Edwards thanked the various sponsors, Friends of the Bustamante Hospital and others who had come forward to "make the dream a reality". "Ground for construction of the hostel was broken just eight months ago and many of the private sector donors," he said, "had been exemplary in their swift response and participation."
Sponsors of the building were Amalgamated Distributors, Automotive Power, Cable and Wireless Jamaica, DHL Jamaica, Horizon Financial Services, Industrial Gases, Lascelles deMercado, LOJ Property Management, Mechala Group, Melhado Trust and Motor Sales and Company.
Other sponsors were National Commercial Bank, National Development Bank, National Outdoor Advertising, Sherwin Williams, Spencers Auto Electrical, the Port Authority of Jamaica, the Scott Foundation and Three Rivers Management.
