NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (June 07, 2018) — Patients seeking breathing treatments at the Alexandra Hospital will have a better experience, thanks to a gift of an assortment of breathing masks for adults and children donated on June 05, 2018, by a Nevisian who resides in the United States of America.

Mrs. Coleen June Howell-Emanuel, who was accompanied by her sister Ms. Tessa Howell, presented the gift to Junior Minister of Health Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams at her Nevis Island Administration (NIA) office in Charlestown and explained why she was moved to make the donation.

“I had to go to the [Alexandra] Hospital to the emergency room and I was able to get breathing treatments there and it made me feel so much better and I thank the nurses and the physician that treated me during that period of time.

“One of the things I did once I got back was to make sure I went ahead and purchase some masks so that anyone, children or adults, going to the hospital would be able to get the breathing treatments. I hope that this will help, and as we go forward any further assistance I’d be happy to assist” she said.

In response, Mrs. Brandy-Williams thanked Mrs. Howell-Emanuel for the gift on behalf of the Ministry of Health and the NIA. She described the donation as a worthwhile gesture and urged others to do the same.

“I would like to thank you for this very worthwhile gesture. I am happy that you have come forward to be our newest partner, in terms of delivering healthcare on Nevis.

“At the Ministry of Health, we want to make healthcare everyone’s business, and so, we do appreciate what you have done and we encourage other persons to come on board, as we try to deliver top notch healthcare service in Nevis,” she said.

The Minister also spoke of the new wing under construction at the hospital and welcomed future donations from all.

“You are aware that we are in the process of constructing the new diagnostic wing and so going forward we would encourage persons to make other commitments, other donations because we would have to outfit that new wing once it has been completed and so, we thank you very much for this initial gift and we look forward to other gifts and greater gifts in the ensuing years,” she said.

Mrs. Nichole Slack-Liburd, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health who chaired the handing over ceremony also expressed gratitude to Mrs. Howell-Emanuel.

She said the business of health was not only that of the ministry but also of everyone in the society.