The Queen Elizabeth Hospital has received yet another welcomed package of assistance from one of our longstanding partners, the Rotaract Club of South Barbados. On Wednesday September 6th, 2023, the club’s immediate past president, Graham Belle and Director of Community Service, Keimar Williams joined our team in the QEH Boardroom, where they presented 15 folding walkers with wheels, seven Transcutaneous Electrical Nervous Stimulation (TENS) Units (to assist with pain management) and two exercise band kits, with the total package valued at close to four thousand dollars ($4000.00).

According to Mr. Belle, the donation was the result of monies raised through the club’s annual event, ‘Karting for Charity’. He further explained the QEH was chosen as the main beneficiary, following a needs assessment conducted with the Physiotherapy Department.

Accepting the kind donation on behalf of the unit, Senior Physiotherapist, Dr. Lynn Morris revealed the equipment is critical to meet the increasing demand of patients coming to the Rehab department for care. Also accepting the assistance package on behalf of the hospital, President of the Barbados Physiotherapy Association, Stacey Boyce expressed concern about an emerging trend of arthritis becoming more prevalent among younger persons.

Physiotherapist Boyce however assures that with the donation, the QEH is in a better position to help those seeking treatment for arthritis. Arthritis is described as inflammation of the joint, with the two most common forms being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The donation is also timely as the BPTA celebrates Physiotherapy Week from September 3-9 under the theme, “Osteoarthritis and the role of the Physiotherapist”. On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, the association held an open day on the ground floor corridor of the hospital, where physios showcased several treatment options offered by its professionals. The BPTA now prepares for more activities on World Physiotherapy Day, on Friday September 8, 2023.