Hostel for needy patients opens in Belize City
Needy patients visiting Belize City for medical treatment now have a place to recover comfortably, thanks to the coordinated efforts of the non-governmental community. This morning, I was among the first to tour the innovative facility.
Jacqueline Godwin, Reporting
The Lester H. Young Training and Resource Centre and Hostel is situated at the Belize Lions Club compound adjacent to the B.C.V.I. Eye Care and Clinic on Princess Margaret Drive. The upper floor has a kitchen, bathroom, living room and sleeping quarters to accommodate out district patients. The facility is the result of a working relationship between the Belize Lions Club, B.C.V.I., the Government of Belize and the Belize Hospital Auxiliary. The initiative is designed to benefit patients and their family members who cannot afford the added expense of accommodation while receiving medical care at the K.H.M.H. and B.C.V.I. Clinics.
Lion John Wongsam, Zone 59
?Many of whom were of humble means, but were also in need of lodging accommodations, as they went through their pre-operative surgical preparation. As well as the post operative recovery phases of their treatment.?
Magda Burgos, President, Belize City Hospital Auxiliary
?The hospital auxiliary saw the need for a hostel for family members of patients that come from other districts. We have helped many people with paying their hotels and their food and helping them to return home, but this will add to that help. We kept seeing and hearing of patients that sleep in the corridors of the Karl Heusner or by the emergency room along with the securities there and we decided it was time that we did something about it.?
The building is dedicated to the memory of Lester H. Young. Prior to his death, the Young served in the Lions Club movement for twenty-nine years. Today his family had the honor of officially declaring the centre open.
Prime Minister Said Musa
?It is historic because it pays it pays tribute to an outstanding Belizean, who rendered loyal and professional public service to Belize in the field of radio and telecommunications. In addition to his duties as a public officer Lester Young was also a servant of the people in the field of volunteerism as an executive member of the Belize Lions Club.?
The hostel will be housed on the upper floor of the Lester H. Young Training and Resource Centre. The ground floor will be used as a venue for meetings and conferences of the Lions Club and other service organizations.
If you would like information on how to access the services of the hostel, please call B.C.V.I. at 223-1439.
