Children’s ward receives much needed donation

(CNS): The Cayman Islands Hospital paediatric ward will be purchasing a much needed heart defibrillator to replace the wards old machine which is some 25 years old thanks to a donation by the local corporate community. Gill Barlow, the nurse manager on the children’s ward, explained that while the staff hopes the defibrillator is not used very often, it is a “must-have” item, especially when children suffer an irregular rhythm or cardiac arrest.

The donation was made by the Cayman arm of Facing Africa, a UK-based charity dedicated to assisting children in Africa who are afflicted with Noma, a devastating flesh-eating disease affecting the face. The local branch also raises funds to help local children in need. The initiative is organised each year by charity director Jane Wareham, an independent legal consultant and Ken Krys, Managing Director of Krys Global who recently delivered the US$16,500 cheque.

“Once again, the corporate community of Cayman has recognised the importance in charitable giving by kindly helping to raise enough to purchase this much needed piece of equipment.  The purchase of a state of the art defibrillator will hopefully help to alleviate some of the distress that affects families when their child requires resucitation,” she said.

Last year, Facing Africa (Cayman) raised enough funds to enable the children’s ward to purchase a Billi-Bassinette for children re-admitted to the hospital for jaundice and a Broselow colour-coded emergency kit. This year’s donation could prove even more significant.

“The defibrillator could mean the difference between an air ambulance or being able to remain with family on island. It is reassuring to know that the George Town Hospital is equipped with well-qualified medics and the latest machinery should any child be in need,” Wareham added.

Krys Global, Maples, RBC Wealth Management, dms Management and Stuarts Attorneys all raised funds for the donation through various events held to benefit Facing Africa (Cayman) over the previous year including Off the Beaten Track and a wine tasting with Gaia Gaja at the Ritz in February.