HELP!
Dear Editor,
The following is an open letter to Michael Lee Chin and other captains of industry:
I write because I believe that you are concerned about the health and well-being of all citizens of Jamaica.
It is 1:35 am on Thursday, January 26, 2017 and I have just returned home from the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), where I spent the last 14 hours seeking medical assistance for my aunt who had a stroke early on Wednesday morning.
While she was given prompt attention by the medical staff upon her arrival, a proper diagnosis was delayed due to the unavailability of a computerised tomography (CT) scan machine. The doctors attending to her requested that she undergo a CT scan — this request was made before 2:00 pm on Wednesday. However, the scan was not done until 9:00 pm Wednesday night, a delay of seven hours.
When I enquired of several staff members as to the cause of the delay in having the scan done, I was told that there was only one machine available in the hospital. As you may know, a CT scan is of vital importance for individuals who have suffered strokes.
I must mention that all the staff I encountered during my time at the hospital acted professionally as they provided care to patients in the Accident and Emergemcy Department.
Mr Lee-Chin, I am aware that your National Commercial Bank and many other companies have foundations which already make significant contributions to various areas of national life. However, I feel led to make an appeal to all concerned to assist the UHWI in acquiring and maintaining an additional CT machine.
I was advised that the cost of a new machine is $45 million (US$350,000). I am sure that James Moss-Solomon, the chairman of the hospital, would appreciate hearing from each of you regarding the contribution of your respective companies toward this effort.
I should point out that even as I am asking for your respective contributions, my family and I will be making a contribution to this worthwhile cause as well.
Carlton C Francis, JP
Kingston 6
carltoncon@gmail.com