$11,000 boost for hospitals

Equipment with a total value of US$11,000 was yesterday donated by the TT Nurses Association of America (TTNAA) to the neonatal units at Port-of-Spain and San Fernando General Hospitals. The presentation of oxyhoods and suction equipment was made by Barbara Young, May Thomas and Mc Inroy James of the TTNAA at the lobby of the maternity department, PoSGH. Dr Petronella Manning-Alleyne received on behalf of PoSGH, while paediatrician Dr Kerryn Brahim received equipment for SFGH. A total of 96 oxyhoods and six suction machines were provided. Young said the TTNAA has been donating equipment to health facilities in TT for many years, beginning in 1968 with dialysis machines. The TTNAA comprises former workers in TT’s health sector. She said the decision to assist the neonatal unit stemmed from a report in the local media last year in which Dr Manning highlighted the need for equipment at the neonatal unit at PoSGH.

Young said the TTNAA usually kept in contact with facilities “to find out what is the need.” Dr Brahim said the neonatal unit at SFGH had a shortage of oxyhoods — “headboxes”— which are used to provide concentrated oxygen for babies. He said the donation of 50 will “have a great impact on the quality of care of our babies.” Some of the oxyhoods will be put into storage. “They could last for years. The moulded plastic is more durable.” Dr Brahim said the donation will allow each ICU patient to have a dedicated headbox and suction machine — used to clear throat secretions in babies. Dr Petronella Manning Alleyne said, a “wonderful” response came from the private sector to the needs of PoSGH. However, she was critical about the delay in equipment being provided by those responsible for the health sector saying there was “a lot of talk about equipment on order.”