The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority has a new addition to its fleet following a donation from the Caring for Life Foundation.
The newly designed Ford Transporter will be used for non-acute patients who require wheelchair or mobility assistance, the Health Services Authority said in a statement.
The Caring for Life Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that raises funds to purchase equipment for the Health Services Authority.
Foundation chair Kristin Dilbert said, “Since the inception of the Foundation in 2010, the equipment has been donated to the HSA every year. This year we are proud to donate a purpose-built non-emergency vehicle, thanks to our donors and sponsors.”
Other sponsors include the Pink Ladies Volunteer Corp, Flowers Group, Walkers and Rotary Sunrise.
Nancy Whitefield, chair of the Pink Ladies Volunteer Corp, said, “All of our Pink Ladies were delighted to be able to provide funds to assist with the purchase of the vehicle. It is especially pleasing to be able to give back to the community through this donation.”
Stephen Duval, EMS manager at the Health Services Authority, said the new multifunctional vehicle would fill “a much-needed void, allowing us to better serve our non-acute patients who have mobility needs.”
He added, “The ramp can hold up to 800 pounds allowing for the various styles of wheelchairs and even a stretcher if needed.”
It is anticipated that the vehicle will be used by patients of the Specialist Clinic, Dialysis and Physiotherapy Units of the Health Services Authority, all of which have a considerable number of out-patients who have difficulty with transportation to and from their appointments, according to the Health Services Authority.
From left, Dara Flowers, director, Flowers Block; Christine Mathews, president elect of Rotary Sunrise; Nancy Whitefield, Pink Ladies volunteer; Lizzette Yearwood, CEO of the Health Services Authority; Dr. Delroy Jefferson, chief medical officer of HSA; Dr. Elizabeth McLaughlin, clinical head of the health services’ A&E and EMS; Stephen Duval, EMS manager; and Kristin Dilbert, chair of Caring For Life with the new transporter.
Originally Posted on: Cayman Compass, Cayman News Service