Two electrocardiograph (ECG) machines, valued at approximately $500,000, were on Wednesday handed over to the St Ann's Bay Regional Hospital in St Ann.

The donation, from the 'Friends of the St Ann's Bay Regional Hospital', was welcomed by Senior Medical Officer, Dr Nicole Dawkins, who said they would improve the quality of care offered to patients.

Chairman of the Friends of the St Ann's Bay Regional Hospital, Marjorie Taylor, informed that the group saw the need for the ECG machines at the institution and decided to raise funds to make the purchases.

Fund-raising efforts

"The machines were bought from our fund-raising efforts and also from dues collected at meetings. We did not have enough money to purchase the machines so we approached First Regional Co-op Credit Union and they graciously consented to assist, hence allowing us the privilege of making this presentation," she informed.

Her Excellency, the Most Hon Lady Allen, who was on hand for the presentation, commended the donors for their support to the hospital over the years. She said patients will "benefit greatly from these timely gifts".

Lady Allen also noted the importance of sponsorship and giving to the less-fortunate in society. "We have to teach our people not only to give the surplus, but give so that you feel that you are (really) giving. Studies have shown that those who give really receive more benefits," she stated.

She encouraged the hospital staff to care for the equipment "so that we can have them for a long time".

Prior to the handing over, Lady Allen spent more than an hour visiting and reading to children in the "Doc Sue Happy Room" of the hospital's paediatric ward. She was accompanied by wife of the custos of St Ann, Norma Walters.

Performers, dressed as characters of the popular children's programme, Sesame Street, were also on hand to entertain the children, eliciting cheers and laughter.

Lady Allen encouraged the children to develop a love for books and to get into the habit of reading, as this will widen and enhance their knowledge and understanding.

The children, and students from nearby schools, were presented with books, crayons and school supplies.