Hospital gets new equipment

A new cardiac monitoring machine which has the capability of at least three other machines, was donated to the Accident and Emergency Department of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital on Tuesday.

The machine, valued at US $7,500 was donated to the hospital by Dr. Michael Bunburry of the Mustique Medical Trust, on behalf of a visitor to that island who wished to remain anonymous.{{more}}

Bunburry said that the donor, who has great interest in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, had asked him to select an item which he believes would be beneficial to the hospital, and after consultations with Dr. Simone Keizer of the Accident and Emergency Department, he decided on that machine.

The machine not only monitors heart rate, but also checks a patient’s temperature, blood pressure, pulse and oxygen saturation.

Keizer, on accepting the cardiac monitor said that the department was very grateful for the machine, and that she expects that it would be used frequently in the resuscitation area where it will be stationed.

Also at the handing over was Sister Wendy Trent, who said that the machine was surely an asset that would make life much easier for doctors and patients.

According to Hospital Director, Dr. Peter Kagbala, the machine is expected to ease the strain on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) which houses a similar machine. The addition of this machine will make it possible to monitor patients in the A&E instead of having to transfer them to the ICU.

The doctors all voiced the opinion that other donations like this were welcome at the hospital and other medical institutions throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines.