A significant international medical donation has reached Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James, Jamaica, providing crucial support to healthcare workers grappling with post-hurricane recovery challenges. US-based medical apparel company RepScrubs, in collaboration with Jamaican charity Sarah’s Children and Florida-based Jamaican-born nurse administrator Rolene Kerr Bowlin, has contributed over 1,400 disposable medical scrubs valued at approximately $2 million.
The contribution was formally accepted by Dr. Dwayne Hall, Chief of Surgery, alongside the hospital’s administrative leadership team. This strategic partnership addresses both immediate operational needs and long-term infection control priorities at the medical facility, which continues to operate under strained conditions following Hurricane Melissa.
Janet Silvera, Chairman of Sarah’s Children, emphasized the targeted nature of the initiative, explaining that the effort specifically focuses on bolstering frontline medical personnel during this critical recovery phase. “Within operating theaters and clinical environments, scrubs transcend mere uniforms—they constitute an essential protective barrier,” Silvera noted. “Single-use scrubs substantially diminish cross-contamination risks, guaranteeing that medical professionals commence surgical procedures in sterile, uncontaminated attire for each operation.”
Dr. Hall detailed the substantial operational impact of this donation, highlighting that laundering reusable scrubs represents one of the institution’s most significant recurring expenditures. “The availability of these 1,400+ disposable units dramatically reduces our laundry expenses,” he stated. “This inventory will serve the hospital for several months, generating considerable cost savings while simultaneously enhancing efficiency across our surgical and clinical areas.”
The Chief of Surgery further emphasized the infection prevention benefits in a high-volume public healthcare setting, noting that “disposable scrubs effectively eliminate risks associated with reuse and handling procedures, thereby reducing hospital-acquired infections and safeguarding both patients and medical staff.”
Silvera revealed that the donation was rapidly coordinated after Florida-based partners alerted RepScrubs CEO Jeffrey Feuer to the severe challenges facing Jamaica’s health sector post-hurricane. Two pallets of medical scrubs were promptly shipped to the island, with the National Health Fund facilitating accelerated customs clearance.
Hospital management characterized the contribution as exceptionally timely support that alleviates financial pressures while maintaining elevated patient care standards. The administration particularly highlighted the vital role of international collaborations and diaspora engagement in reinforcing Jamaica’s public health infrastructure during national recovery periods.