The Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department within the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) is in a much better position to provide care for patients with the donation of a brand new Cardiotocography (CTG) fetal heartbeat monitor and several other pieces of equipment and care packages.
According to Head of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Dr. Sheridan Slater, Ron Kilius, a Canadian businessman and friend of the late surgeon and former Governor General (GG) of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sir Frederick Ballantyne, donated the CTG in his honour. Additionally, Agents of Change Organization Inc., a faith-based NGO in Canada, donated several pieces of equipment and care packages.
The handover took place at Maternity Ward A (Mat A), in the presence of Dr. Sheridan Slater, Sir Frederick’s daughter, Lauren McIntosh, and Deputy Hospital Administrator Andrew Williams, among others.
Dr. Slater extended thanks to Ron Kilius, whom she described as a friend of the Department, for his gift to the MCMH since according to her, the one they had before is old and not functioning as well as it should. Dr. Slater also explained the function of the machine. “It is used for the monitoring of the baby while the baby is developing within the mom. It helps to guide the Physician as to when the baby is in stress meaning that the baby needs to come out either by Caesarean section or delivered by vaginal birth”.
The late GG’s daughter, Lauren McIntosh, said it is an honour that Ron Kilius donated the CTG machine in memory of her father. “We’re honoured, one, that he’s donating it in honour of Sir Frederick Ballantyne and, secondly, the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines…” She stated that the CTG will greatly benefit the Department.
In accepting the CTG fetal monitor, Deputy Hospital Administrator, Andrew Williams expressed heartfelt thanks to Ron Kilius for his donation to the Maternity Ward of the MCMH.
The Deputy Hospital Administrator was also on hand at the hospital’s Atrium to accept another donation this time from Agents of Change Organization Inc. Speaking at the handover, Nathaniel Sandy, an affiliate of the Organization, commended all the persons who were integral in sourcing the items. Sandy singled out Pastor Othneil James, whom he said, worked very hard to make the donation possible.
In accepting the donation, the Deputy Hospital Administrator commented on the fact that the hospital is still receiving gifts even in the pandemic season. He thanked the Organization for the thoughtful donation to the MCMH, adding that the items will go a long way to provide care for their patients.
Member of Agents of Change Organization Inc. Pastor Jonathan Abraham said the Organization is doing a lot of work and that they are pleased to make the donation. According to Abraham, the Organization recently donated over 100 reading glasses to the prisoners in Belle Isle and Kingstown. He added that Bibles and books will also be donated to both prisons. Next step, according to Abraham, is to dialogue with the Ministry of Education and principals to start the distribution of items to schools.
Both donations to the MCMH were handed over on Wednesday, 2nd September, 2020.