Opportunity for Outreach at  Bustamante Hospital for Children

If you have listened to any presentation by the newly appointed Health Minister Dr.Christopher Tufton, then you have heard his reference to the need for compassionate care within the current health system.

The Bustamante Hospital for Children is one such institution that is reaching out for volunteers to show compassion to children at the recovery level.

While speaking to La-Toya Latty about her role at the children’s hospital as an educator, she explained that the hospital has a learning and activity centre for children whose injuries do not allow them to leave the hospital and go to school. This centre helps to bridge the gap so that they do not fall behind on their curriculum and the teachers ensure that the kids are up-to-date by following the same curriculum as the Ministry of Education.

However, she said though the learning centre is equipped to teach up to the GSAT level many of the patients will come to the centre not to learn but to rather keep themselves occupied by reading books, colouring or just by interacting with others outside of their ward which in turn helps to lift their spirits.

Currently, the centre only has two resident teachers who teach the students at all levels. They have up to 15 students at a time of all ages and this makes it hard to give each student the attention and care that they desperately need.

From time to time, Ms. Latty says that volunteers come in from high school institutions across the country and international charities ,but there is much room for improvement where that is concerned and is encouraging people who can to step-up and serve by volunteering at the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

Persons who are interested in volunteering with the Bustamante Hospital for Children can call or visit the Human Resource Department at 968-0300 to fill out a form.