Dental practitioners mark occasion with donations to children’s ward
Published:Tuesday | May 9, 2023 | 1:07 AM
The children’s ward (Ward 8) of the Spanish Town Hospital was yesterday blessed with donated items from the members of the Dental Auxiliaries of the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA).
At the presentation ceremony held in the foyer at the ambulance bay, a group of dental staff members, including nurses, therapists, hygienists, assistants and aides, and technicians, presented 12 mattresses of various sizes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, one case of ear-loop masks, four thermometers, four cases of Lysol wipes, and other sanitary items for the ward.
Additionally, three special items were presented to be distributed to the parents of three newborn girls, as well as packages for the dietician department of the hospital.
Annual Dental Auxiliaries Week is observed May 7 to 12 under the theme ‘Forging Ahead, Anticipating A Brighter Future’.
This year marks the 25th anniversary that the Dental Auxiliaries of Jamaica have been undertaking outreach activities by visiting basic schools and children’s homes each year during the month of May.
The group made the decision to provide for the basic needs of Jamaica’s hospitalised children.
A similar handover took place at the Princess Margaret Hospital in St Thomas under the SERHA, which is responsible for the delivery of healthcare services to the residents of St Catherine, St Thomas and Kingston and St Andrew.
Sharon Headman, dental nurse and regional dental auxiliary coordinator at the SERHA, told The Gleaner that a fundraiser was conducted to raise money to purchase the items.
“As a matter of fact, one staff gave her birthday money – because we normally have a birthday club – and she said she didn’t want any gift this year, she wanted the monies so that we’ll be able to purchase the thermometers,” she said.
According to Headman, the reason why the initiative has been successful for several years is because the workers are so driven and passionate to make an impact. She continued by expressing her optimism that the group’s contributions would make a difference in the children’s lives.
“These (items) can’t be too much because remember we have to do change over all the time (as) over the years things get worn out, so they will always appreciate gifts like this,” she said.