The Rotary Club of Antigua (RCA) has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing healthcare in Antigua and Barbuda by contributing over $40,000 XCD to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC). This generous donation, made during an official visit by Rotary District 7030 Governor Soraya Warner-Gustave, is earmarked for the acquisition of Bubble CPAP machines and pulse oximeters for the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
The Bubble CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines are crucial for the care of premature and critically ill newborns, offering non-invasive respiratory support that aligns with international NICU standards. This technology significantly reduces complications and improves survival rates among preterm infants. Additionally, the donation includes several pulse oximeters, which are essential for monitoring oxygen levels in newborns, enabling the NICU team to provide faster and more efficient care.
Michael Spencer, Past President of the Rotary Club of Antigua, emphasized the broader significance of the donation. ‘This is more than just equipment; it’s an investment in the future of our children,’ he said. ‘We are proud to support SLBMC in their mission to deliver high-quality neonatal care and ensure that even the tiniest patients receive the best possible start in life.’
Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, Medical Director of SLBMC, expressed profound gratitude for the contribution. ‘The Rotary Club’s support continues to transform what’s possible for our patients,’ she noted. ‘These Bubble CPAP machines and pulse oximeters have already made a tangible difference in the care we provide. Countless babies and their families are benefiting from this investment.’
Elisa Graham, current President of the Rotary Club of Antigua, reiterated the organization’s commitment to community health. ‘Supporting the hospital and, by extension, the health of our nation, is something we take great pride in,’ she said. ‘Our work is only possible because of the generosity of our members and the community, who believe in Rotary’s mission of service above self.’
Beyond the immediate equipment, the donation will also fund additional resources to further strengthen neonatal care at SLBMC, underscoring RCA’s ongoing partnership with the medical centre and its dedication to improving patient outcomes.