NGO funds essential certification for cancer nurses

| 30/04/2010

(CNS): The Cancer Society used some of the funds it raised this year to ensure the islands’ only two Chemotherapy Nurses were re-certified and able to continue practicing. Cyndy Ebanks and Andrew Ward are by the Health Services Authority and as Chemotherapy Nurses they must re-certify and get re-licensed to administer treatments every two years. This year both Ebanks and Ward were up for re-certification and it was essential that they attend the Chemotherapy Course in Miami and pass the examination which tests their knowledge of professional standards and processes. Lizzette Yearwood, CEO of the HSA said this type of sponsorship was essential to help the authority meet the country’s healthcare needs.

“Cyndy and I were given $2,000 by the Cayman Cancer Society to send us to Miami to take the Chemotherapy Course and exams” said Ward.  “They generously paid for our hotel rooms and flights.  Thanks to the selfless contributions of the Cancer Society the people of the Cayman Islands will still have two fully licensed Chemotherapy Nurses on staff at the HSA.  Cyndy and I are very grateful for their assistance during these tough economic times.”
Yearwood said that as with most healthcare institutions around the world, the HSA relies heavily upon donations from organizations and individuals to help fund the purchase of new equipment or the provision of specialized services.  “Donations like this one from the Cancer Society are very much appreciated and necessary for us to meet the healthcare needs of the country,” she added. 

A charitable trust has even been set up, through Scotiabank, to promote fundraising efforts in support of the HSA.  The “Caring for Life Cayman Islands Charitable Trust” was established in March 2009 to ensure continually improved world-class healthcare for all people within the Cayman Islands by funding equipment, capital improvements, research, and education for the HSA.  The Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees that is independent of both government and the HSA.   

Some Trust money will be spent to purchase major pieces of equipment for the HSA, such as:  ultrasound machines, dialysis machines, patient lifts, surgical equipment, digital x-ray, and an EKG machine.
 
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