Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke speaks with Joycelin Gordon, a patient in the dialysis section of the Cornwall Regional Hospital, during his annual Christmas visit there yesterday.
-Patrick Campbell photoRoy Sanford
, Staff Reporter
WESTERN BUREAU:
GOVERNOR-GENERAL Sir Howard Cooke paid a Christmas visit to the Cornwall Regional Hospital yesterday, boosting morale and bringing cheer to patients and staff.
A three-year-old cancer patient was also singled out for financial assistance, courtesy of the business community.
During the visit, Tajay Gordon, who is suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a rare but deadly cancer of the white blood cells and the bone marrow, was presented with a check of $50,000 for medical expenses, a donation from the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
"We are very happy to receive this donation because it is well needed," said Dr. Karlene Grant, paediatrician at CRH who accepted the cheque on behalf of Tajay's family.
"The road for Tajay has been very long and he faces a lot of difficulties. We are extremely happy."
Tajay needs at least $150,000 per month for medical treatment.
Describing the tour as "a good moment", Sir Howard said he was extremely happy to see first hand the operations of the facility.
HAPPY
"I am very pleased at what I have seen," he stated. "When I walk around and see the number of doctors and when I look at the staff and see how happy they all seem to be, I have to congratulate the people of Montego Bay."
He also praised the hospital's administrative staff for their work in maintaining the facility.
"I have to congratulate Mr. (Everton) Anderson, the chief executive officer because apparently he has set out to make a difference and it seems as if the hospital board is setting out deliberately to make people realise that we are not a third world people," he said.
Patients to whom The Gleaner spoke, were delighted at the Governor General's visit. "It is nice of him to take the time out to come and visit us," one said. " I feel very happy that he did so."
Members of the touring party included Dr. Sheila Campbell-Forrester, regional director of the Western Regional Health Authority; Custos of St. James Clarence Nelson; Dr. Barry Dixon, senior medical officer for St. James and president of the Montego Bay Chamber, Winston Dear, and Mrs. Dear.
