Andrews Memorial strengthens healthcare offerings with launch of MRI, cardiac catheterisation services

In a monumental stride toward strengthening Jamaica’s healthcare landscape, Andrews Memorial Hospital (AMH) officially launched its magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cardiac catheterisation laboratory services last Wednesday. The event marked a significant step in the hospital’s goal of being identified as a high-reliability healthcare institution delivering quality healthcare that addresses critical gaps in diagnostic and cardiac care.

Speaking during the launch, held at the Andrews Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church, Donmayne Gyles, president and CEO of AMH, emphasised the transformative impact of these services.

“By addressing the gaps in diagnostic imaging and cardiac care, we are contributing to the overall strengthening of Jamaica’s healthcare system,” he stated.

Concurring with this move, N. Nick Perry, US ambassador to Jamaica, at the end of the event, said that the US Embassy Kingston “is proud to celebrate this milestone with our long-time partner in health and immigration services, highlighting the power of collaboration in strengthening healthcare infrastructure and building a healthier Jamaica”.

Perry stated further: “The launch of the MRI and cardiac catheterisation lab at Andrews Memorial Hospital represents a vital step forward in community healthcare, improving access to life-saving diagnostics and treatment for the people of Jamaica.”

AMH has joined the ranks of approximately 10 healthcare facilities in Jamaica that offer MRI services, and now five facilities in Kingston that offer cardiac cath lab services.

Currently providing CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasounds through its radiology department, the hospital has now expanded its offerings. According to Gyles, this milestone reflects the hospital’s commitment to increasing access to high-quality medical services and integrating advanced technology to improve patient outcomes.

“The MRI service will significantly enhance our diagnostic capacity, allowing for earlier and more accurate diagnosis. This will improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for external referrals, ensuring a more seamless care experience at AMH.”

He added that the cardiac cath lab is a game changer that will provide on-site diagnostic and interventional procedures.

“We will be better equipped to respond to emergencies and provide lifesaving treatments without delay,” said Gyles.

The AMH CEO thanked Interventional Cardiologist Dr Raquel Gordon-Adlam, noting, “She is our chief of cardiology on our Medical Executive Committee and has been instrumental in the roll-out of our cardiac programme here at Andrews.”

He further paid tribute to former presidents Dr Patric Rutherford and Dr Marvin Rohoutas, respectively, for their vision in initiating the MRI and beginning the conversation about the cardiac cath lab projects.

The Seventh-day Adventist’s United States healthcare system, AdventHealth, through a 30-year partnership with AMH, has donated various pieces of equipment, including the current GE Signa 1.5T MRI Scanner and the GE Innova 2100 Cardiac Catheterisation machine.

Gyles added, “And I’ll go further to say that this donation was spearheaded by the president and CEO for the East Florida Division of AdventHealth, Dr Audrey Gregory, and her team. Thank you, Dr Gregory. Thank you, AdventHealth.”

Addressing a National Crisis in Health

Gregory, addressing attendees on behalf of AdventHealth CEO Terry Shaw, shed light on Jamaica’s alarming cardiovascular disease statistics.

“In 2024, Jamaica was projected to have approximately 200,000 deaths due to cardiovascular disease. This collaboration between AdventHealth and Andrews Memorial Hospital is a response to these staggering figures,” she said, hailing the new services as a milestone in advancing healthcare in Jamaica and AMH toward a high-reliability healthcare organisation.

Dr Geoffrey Liburd, neurosurgeon and chief of neurosurgery on the AMH Medical Executive Committee, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the critical role of MRI in modern neurosurgery.

“The detailed capabilities of MRI best serve brain and spine imaging. This addition underscores AMH’s commitment to meeting the population’s healthcare needs, of high prevalence of non-communicable diseases,” he said.

Pastor Everett Brown, chairman of the AMH board and president of the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (JAMU), praised the hospital’s leadership and workforce of more than 400 for their dedication, linking the launch to the institution’s 80th-anniversary celebrations.

“This is a testament to AMH’s commitment to offering the best healthcare possible. We look forward to continued support as the hospital builds its capacity to be the best in its class,” Brown remarked.

The sentiment of optimism was extended to attendees, including Dr Talianne Titus, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, who lauded the hospital’s forward-thinking approach.

“This is fantastic. The availability of these services will benefit countless patients. Andrews Memorial Hospital is a leader in healthcare,” she said.

Enoch Penney-Laryea, regional security advisor for the United Nations, underscored the broader implications of the launch for Jamaica’s global standing.

“Advanced facilities like these improve our confidence in classifying Jamaica as a viable duty station for international professionals. This is a win for the country and its healthcare infrastructure,” he said.