SVGRNA brings much needed facelift to MCMH male ward

The SVG Retired Nurses Association (SVGRNA) has given the male medical ward of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) a much needed facelift.

On Monday, at a handover ceremony, Clari Gilbert, president of the SVGRNA, said that there was never a doubt that work was going to be done, however, the question was when the work would be carried out.{{more}}

“When the idea came of doing something at the hospital, it wasn’t a matter of saying why, but it was saying when.”

Gilbert noted that after a visit to the hospital, they were urged to do some work with the men.

“I remember the day we came to the male medical ward, someone said ‘nobody takes care of the men’.

“Although we are a female dominated organization we thought it would be a good idea to just give the men some attention and some caring,” she stated.

The retired nurse noted that her group repainted the ward, refurbished bedside lockers and finished work on some essentials identified by the departmental manager and staff nurses.

She thanked the maintenance team at the hospital.

“The work that they have done really reflect their expertise,” Gilbert said.

She also noted that their sister organization, the SVG Nurses Association of New York, also assisted with the project through sponsorship and are looking forward to doing more work for the hospital in the future.

“So, we look forward to having many more projects, doing a lot more for our patients, our men, when they come to the hospital and I am hoping that today, as we have a few gifts for them…that at least we would have been able to put a smile on their faces.

“I am so privileged today to be a part of this handing over,” Gilbert said.

Also speaking at the handing over ceremony, hospital administrator Grace Walters expressed her thanks to the association for their continued work.

Departmental manager of the male medical ward Philip Bailey also expressed his pleasure at the facelift.

Apart from the refurbishment, the SVGRNA also donated 30 melamine plates, 30 melamine mugs, glasses, bowls, pajamas, shower curtains, gift bags for the patients, soap dispensers, cleaning supplies and adult disposable briefs.(CM)