Handmade benches donated for HSA patients
(L-R) Neil Cox sits on donated bench, next to chemotherapy unit staff Brittny Bustillo and Rosanna Humphreys
(CNS): Patients of the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA) chemotherapy unit and Merren’s Health Centre now enjoy additional seating due to a joint initiative by the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman Sunrise and HMP Northward. Three crafted and varnished benches were donated to the facilities in an initiative spearheaded by Rotary Sunrise in partnership with HMP’s woodshop.
Christine Mathews of Rotary Sunrise said, “We were approached by Alexandra Stewart, a volunteer with cancer patients, who told us there was a need for benches outside of the chemotherapy unit and asked us if there was any way we could assist.”
Mathews said that club members reviewed various alternatives and concluded that utilising the prison’s woodshop would be the best option.
“One of our members approached the prison and offered to pay them if they could design and create the benches. We are glad that we went with this option because by using the prison’s woodshop we received benches that were custom built for our needs.
“We also engaged the prisoners in a project that would benefit the community at large,” she said.
The curved edges and smooth wooden finish of the benches provide a comfortable experience for patients who prefer to wait outdoors.
On his last day of chemotherapy, Neil Cox, who was among the first patients of the unit to try out the new seating, said, “Nice bench, just what I needed to enjoy the fresh air. God bless the providers.”
Mathews said Rotary Sunrise is pleased to know that patients and their families appreciate the extra seating they have provided. “We are always happy to give back to the community,” she added.
Monique Spence, HSA communications officer, thanked those behind the donation. “The HSA is extremely grateful for the gift of these lovely pieces of outdoor furniture and wants to thank all involved, especially the prisoners who handcrafted them,” she said.
“We appreciate the craftsmanship and kindness that were invested into making these benches; it is through the hard work of the prisoners and the charity of the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman Sunrise that our patients will get to enjoy comfortable seating on the porch of our facilities.”
Category: Donations, Medical and Health
