Health Services Receives $25K Equipment Donation

What started out as a casual conversation has resulted with a timely donation of an ultrasound machine and a set of vascular access surgical instruments worth $25,000 from the Lions Club of Tortola to the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA).
The donation was made yesterday, September 21 at the Peebles Hospital and was received by Director of Hospital Services and Acting Chief Executive Officer, Cedorene Patricia Malone-Smith, Dr. Joel Stevens and other members of the hospital staff.
Lion Carvin Malone shared that in a casual and unrelated conversation with Dr. Stevens, he lamented the benefits of having a dedicated ultrasound machine and a full set of instruments for the operation room.
“Unknown to him [Dr. Stevens], the challenge was embraced by the 40th Anniversary and the Board of Directors of the Tortola Lions Club,” Malone shared.
Dr. Stevens noted his gratitude for the donation and was particularly pleased with the ultrasound machine as it will help to improve patient safety.
“We have a safe hospital; we have done our best and we do within our capabilities to be safe and do the best as we can. We all know that with medicine and the many technological advances like everything else, we have to take advantage of those to further our capabilities. I always like when I can do something that’s technologically well that makes us more efficient, but my most treasured thing is to do something that improves patient safety. This little instrument [ultrasound machine] in our hands; not just in my hands, but other surgeons as they get more and more familiar with it, will make a quantum leap in our ability to deliver safe care,” Dr. Stevens stated.
Malone-Smith said that the donation was timely and demonstrates the type of collaboration that needs to take place to improve the delivery of healthcare services in the Territory.
President of the Club, Lion Jasmine Bass expressed her gratitude to the many donations the club received through its 40th anniversary drive.
It was pointed out that with the help of donors, the club was able to construct restroom facilities at the Queen Elizabeth II and the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Parks; install Lions welcome signs and look-out benches throughout Tortola; host the annual Lions Games for special needs persons; conduct annual primary school eyes screening initiative; host the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony; and distribute Christmas food baskets to the elderly.