Saint Lucia Receives Four High Flow Nasal Cannula Machines

The Saint Lucia Cooperative Credit Union League Limited recently handed over four high flow nasal cannula machines to the Ministry of Health and one to the St. Jude’s Hospital in support of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other respiratory challenges at the hospitals.

The high flow nasal cannula machines are expected to provide respiratory support to patients requiring oxygen therapy.

Minister for Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs Hon. Moses Jn. Baptiste expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Saint Lucia Cooperative Credit Union League Limited for the timely donation and says these machines are very critical in saving the lives of patients.

“I am sure your members, those who are not here, will understand and feel that this is a very timely and important contribution to the healthcare of Saint Lucia, to the fight not only with the COVID-19 virus but also I understand from the doctors, other ailments whether it be COPD and other ailments.”

President of the Saint Lucia Cooperative Credit Union League Limited Gilroy Satney says his organisation remains committed to providing assistance towards the health and well-being of the nation.

“Today’s donation by the local credit union sector is a continuation of the ideals and beliefs of the cooperative pioneers to bring about human and social development. Our decision to donate four machines to the health care facilities in Castries and one to the St. Jude’s Hospital is taken with full regard for the interest of the brother community within which the credit union movement and its members reside.”

Medical Director of the Respiratory Hospital Dr. Alisha Eugene-Ford said thanks to the Saint Lucia Cooperative Credit Union League Limited for the kind gesture and much-needed assistance during this time.

“This contribution or donation is timely and appropriate. Some of our COVID-19patients develop what we call acute respiratory distress syndrome which affects the oxygen uptake into the lungs and as a result what has happened is that they decrease the amount of oxygen that goes to the lungs. We have situations where you have organ failure, multiple organ failure that could lead to death. So, low levels of oxygen in the tissue can result in failure and possible death. Having these machines will allow them to improve the delivery of oxygen to the organs and we have better clinical outcomes.”

The five high flow nasal cannula machines donated by the Saint Lucia Cooperative Credit Union League Limited cost over EC $58, 000. – Fernelle Neptune