MONTEGO BAY, St James – A gift of 10 patient beds was recently presented to the Hope Medical Centre in St James, from the Baptist Health Systems of South Florida.

Since its establishment in November of 1997, MoBay Hope has established an ongoing relationship with the 500-bed South Miami Hospital – a member of the Baptist Health Systems of South Florida.

The South Miami Hospital lends regular assistance to the institution, through the provision of medical supplies and equipment and medical training and consulting. It has also assisted in areas of referral services and emergency evacuations.

With a staff complement of 42 medical professionals, paramedics and administrative personnel, MoBay Hope sees an average of 1,000 patients per month. The last few years has seen its growth from a diagnostic and treatment centre to a complete health facility, with emergency and operating theatre services, serving communities in western Jamaica. Its Montego Bay location also allows it to provide air ambulance links.

The Baptist Health System is the largest health care organization in Florida, with five locations throughout the state and serves a large immigrant community there.

Through its international and administrative services, the facility has ongoing links with several Caribbean islands, providing medical assistance and training to that community.

Meanwhile, the beds that were recently donated were donated through a partnership with the Jamaican community in South Florida. Shipping and handling of the gift items were volunteered by Winston Simmonds, a Jamaican community activist and owner of the Caribbean Shipping and Consolidating Company of Miami.