For Immediate Release
October 5, 2021
KINGSTON, Jamaica – VM Foundation, which contributed US$12,000 ($1.75 million) towards the completion of the new University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) field hospital, is commending the entity and private sector partners for the completion of the 40-bed facility to care for COVID-19 patients.
The field hospital, equipped with resuscitation rooms, a nurses’ station, air conditioning and video surveillance for remote monitoring of patients, was officially handed over last week Thursday (September 30), after being developed to provide additional bed space due to increases in COVID-19 hospitalizations.
Samantha Charles, CEO of the VM Foundation, congratulated the speedy response of private sector entities in supporting the establishment of the facility and commended the initiative for the impact it will have in providing for the needs of COVID-19 patients in a safe and comfortable environment.
“VM Foundation was happy to step in and give our support to this cause, as we recognized the significant burden being placed on the health sector and healthcare workers during this challenging time. This donation is one way we are standing in solidarity with our healthcare system as it works to overcome this crisis,” she said.
Charles, who toured the facility last week, said it was good to see that the structure will provide a sterile environment for the benefit of not just patients, but the team of doctors, nurses and medical professionals who are caring for the sick.
“We are committed to our vision of improving lives and we stand behind initiatives that serve our community and improve the resilience, health and safety of our people. During this challenging period, I am heartened to see that this initiative galvanized the support of the private sector and have been able to make meaningful impact,” she added.
Work started on the development of the tent structure facility on September 3.
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