The Frederick ‘Freddie’ Miller Polyclinic has received $40 000 in medical equipment to enhance the care provided to residents of The Glebe, St George and surrounding communities.
Relatives of the man whose name the healthcare facility bears – including Dame Billie Miller, Cecille Miller, and Luther Miller – presented the equipment to the clinic on Tuesday.
The medical equipment represents the first tranche of items that will be donated by the family. It included a Welch Allyn electrocardiogram (ECG) machine; a Schmitz emergency stretcher; a Seca baby scale; and a Huntleigh foetal and arterial Doppler ultrasound machine.
The items were sourced and imported by AA Laquis, which will provide training in the use of the equipment to the polyclinic staff.
Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Arthur Phillips expressed gratitude to the Miller family for their donation. He noted that polyclinics are designed to make healthcare services accessible to the public, and in addition to government assistance, philanthropic acts such as this allow persons who visit the medical institutions to receive both primary and preventative medical care.
“We extend our deepest thanks to the Miller family for their kindness in choosing to contribute in this way to the wellbeing of our community. The commitment to donate the equipment reflects a shared dedication to enhancing the quality of healthcare services provided by the Frederick Miller Polyclinic,” Dr Phillips said.
“So, by strengthening the capacity at the clinic, you have contributed to the enhancement of delivery of immediate and essential healthcare services and ensuring that healthcare services continue to be accessible and affordable. This aligns with the commitment of the Ministry of Health, to provide comprehensive and community-centred care that addresses the diverse healthcare needs of our residents.”
Dame Billie, who spoke on behalf of the family, said they were “very pleased” to make the donation, adding that it was “a big moment” for them.
She explained that following a visit to the institution, the family had seen the condition of the equipment and was moved to assist. After that, they had several “long good discussions” with Senior Medical Officer Dr Carl Ward and determined what items needed to be replaced or purchased.
Out of all the items donated, Dame Billie said the Seca baby scale was most important for her “because I went in and saw a baby in a scale that was not in good condition, and of course, he cried his head off. The baby scale, therefore, was my special gift for that baby and all other babies”.
She added that the family would continue to donate to the polyclinic to make it better for the patients and staff.
Dr Ward expressed thanks on behalf of the staff and disclosed that the family would also be donating a diagnostic set and examination room lights, which are not yet on the island. The additional items would bring the total contribution of the Miller family to the clinic to about $50 000.
(BGIS/BT)
