Group helps K.H.M.H. get supplies
We often hear of various organizations getting grants and loans to improve their facilities, going off to the Caribbean for training, or launching new initiatives and programs. But sometimes the most direct route is the most effective. Actions do speak louder than strategic plans. This week Janelle Chanona found out how a group of concerned citizens is addressing some big challenges at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital one donation at a time.
Linda Bowman, Friends of K.H.M.H.
“This hospital is our flagship hospital; in the case of any major disaster or emergency, this is the place that people will have to come to. So we as a community, need to support, in whatever way we can, any improvement or any assistance we can give to this project.”
Because the public doesn’t see what happens behind the scenes, Dr. Francis Smith invited several members of the community to come in and observe the day to day activities of the hospital. The invitation resulted in six Belizeans forming the Friends of K.H.M.H. Smith says the Friends have already had a positive impact, in both small and large ways.
Dr. Francis Smith, Medical Chief of Staff
“They’ve been advising us on simple things like smiling when people approach us or saying good morning, even though we’re overworked and underpaid but emphasizing being courteous, pleasant, smiling, that sort of thing. But they have also been influential in the political sense. They have exerted quite a lot of pressure on the present government, on accelerating the process of repairing the Karl Heusner.”
The goals of the Friends of K.H.M.H. are not only to continue working with the staff and liaising with government; they also plan to improve the physical aspect of the hospital. Accomplishments of the group so far include hiring a gardener to take care of the grounds, adding color to the walls courtesy of “Special Effects” and the “Image Factory,” and establishing an information desk to receive patients. Right now the group is working on a wish list of various necessities.
DeeAnn Musa, Friends of K.H.M.H.
“We realize that healthcare is a basic necessity of any community and these items are so basic that we wanted to do anything that we could do to help.
We know that the community is very saturated with people, organizations asking for donations but we had no other recourse.”
The list includes items like a lawnmower, televisions and artificial plants, but the hospital is also requesting equipment like a fetal heart monitor, nebulizing machines, leads for the EKG and oxygen regulators.
Dorothy Menzies, Friends of K.H.M.H.
“It’s very important for each and every person in this country that our hospital be brought up to scratch and we need certain things. People who can afford to give them to the hospital, it would be greatly appreciated.”
If you can’t afford to donate any material items, Smith invites you to donate your time and interest.
Dr. Francis Smith
“I would like to encourage more and more people to come in and look around. We have an open door policy, make criticisms and offer solutions to problems. I think it’s time that people in Belize realize that health care, public health care is everybody’s business and that the Karl Heusner Hospital is everybody’s business.”
Janelle Chanona
“Friends of K.H.M.H. says the hospital deserves to be recognized as the most important medical institution in the country but says they cannot do it alone. They ask you to remember that at any given time, you could be walking through the doors of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Janelle Chanona for News Five.”
A copy of the wish list is available from any of The Friends of K.H.M.H. who include DeeAnn Musa, Dana Estephan, Linda Bowman, Dorothy Menzies, Beverly Gallaty and Anthony Thurton. The group is recognized by the Interim Management Board of the hospital and is also supported by First Lady, Joan Musa. The Friends of K.H.M.H. was formed in February.
