With over 200 patients seen daily and over 36,000 proceedures done annually, the Mandeville Regional Hospital’s Radiology Department is now better equipped to provide diagnostic services with the acquisition of an X-Ray machine valued at $19, 599,000, donated by the Chase Fund.

CEO of the Chase Fund, Mr. Billy Heaven in urging the hospital staff to pay special attention to the care of the equipment noted that the Fund will be offering five scholarships for the degree programmes in Bio Medical Engineering which will help with the future maintenance of machines. He told the staff that the warranty, maintenance should be looked at carefully in addition to the establishment of a replacement fund to care for the equipment.

The X-Ray machine which is considered to be the best diagnostic tool in modern medicine was officially handed over on Friday, October 7 at the Mandeville Regional Hospital (MRH) in Manchester.

Mr. Heaven noted that the health sector is a critical part of the Fund’s mandate and since its inception in 2003, has provided financial support to the tune of $3 billion.

“The hospital is the main referral hospital in the region and thus the majority of high risk and critical care patients are seen at this facility. Therefore it is of paramount importance for the hospital to have the best available equipment in order to be able to serve the needs of the people” Mr. Heaven added.

Consultant Radiologist at the MRH, Dr. Alistair McBean noted that the Radiology Department provides services including radiography; ultra sound and image guided intervention procedures and fluoroscopic procedures to residents in the southern region and from as far as Westmoreland, St. Ann, Trelawny and St. Catherine.

Dr. McBean in recording his gratitude to the Chase Fund said the Department remains committed to offering quality services to its clients.