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The Classics

Photo Flashback: Children get their own hospital - November 1963

Published:Friday | November 10, 2023 | 8:06 AM
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Senior Paediatrician Dr Leila Wynter, gives a loving pat to a patient getting her bottle feed.
"Nurse bathed me, put new clothes on me, now Mummy is platting my hair. I wonder what it is all about. Must be a party, there is so much bustle and excitement all around."
How about settling down for a nice nap?" asks the nurse of her little girl patient who holds on tenaciously to her toys.
Second from right is Matron Iris Palmer, whose face is almost hidden by Assistant Matron Louise Johnston's logbook as they converse with their staff.
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A VERY significant step forward was taken last Wednesday, November 6, 1963 in the health services of Jamaica, with the start of operations at the 200-bed Children's Hospital. With the withdrawal of the British Military Forces when the island achieved Independence, the 60-year-old Military Hospital at Up Park, Camp fell vacant. The Minister of Health, the Hon Dr Herbert Eldemire, immediately decided to convert it into a paediatric hospital. The work of reconstruction and conversion, started in October, 1962, has now been completed and the most modern equipment and appurtenances installed at a cost of over £100,000.