Geriatric hospital benefits from ministry’s generosity

Clients of the Geriatric Hospital and other district hospitals in Barbados have received some relief from the pain and inconvenience of isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic from their families.
Although they cannot as yet enjoy face to face visits, they can now communicate with their families on-line.

This opportunity for interaction has been made possible thanks to a donation of 10 Samsung Tablets and cases to the institution.

The gift comes compliments of The Last Chance Ministry, an outreach arm of The People’s Cathedral Men’s Ministry.

Acting hospital manager, Heather Payne-Drakes, welcomed the donation and expressed sincere appreciation.

“These devices will allow our clients here at the Geriatric Hospital and those residing at other district hospitals to communicate with their loved ones during this period when visits to the facilities are being restricted,” she said.

Head of The Last Chance Ministry, Corey Roberts, said it was a joy for the members of his team to come to the aid of people who have become their friends. “At a time when COVID-19 restrictions are causing loneliness, frustration and a feeling of abandonment for some, we must certainly be our brothers’ keeper,” He said.

Roberts stated the work of the Last Chance Ministry in the Geriatric Hospital has allowed his team, not only to bless the clients, but also to be blessed by men who have contributed to the development of Barbados.
Payne-Drakes said the donation of 10 Samsung Tablets was not the first time that the Geriatric Hospital had benefitted from the generosity of the People’s Cathedral Men’s Ministry.

“The group has painted wards, enhancing the ambience of the facility. The clients have also had their spiritual and social needs met through a number of interactions with the Men’s Group before the COVID-19 pandemic,” She said.

The People’s Cathedral Men’s Ministry has partnered with DHL couriers and OSi Computer Store on this latest project. OSi Computer Store sourced the Samsung Tablets and also donated 10 tablet cases.

For DHL it is a continuation of the company’s association with the ministry in assisting the Geriatric Hospital.

Through the companies DHL Got Heart project, the two entities have successfully completed several projects, one of which was adjudged the best charity project in the Caribbean and Latin America.

The Last Chance Ministry of the People’s Cathedral Men’s Ministry has been working in the St. Michael Geriatric Hospital for more than eight years. The team has pledged to continue co-operating with the facility and is looking forward to getting back to face-toface interaction with the clients. (PR)