Patients with mobility challenges visiting the Cayman Islands Hospital will now be able to navigate the campus with greater comfort and convenience following British Caymanian Insurance Company Limited’s (BritCay’s) generous donation of a 2019 six-seater Cushman electric golf cart.
The new cart, valued at just under USD$14,000, will be used to transport patients from the parking lot to the main entrance of the hospital and other areas on the hospital’s campus.
In a hand-over ceremony today, 26 October, Health Services Authority (HSA) Chief Executive Officer Lizzette Yearwood thanked BritCay for the donation, which will significantly improve the experience of patients and visitors, particularly older persons.
“As we recently created more parking for our patients at the adjacent Seventh Day Adventist Church lot, we immediately recognized that the extended walk from the new parking area to the various patient care areas of the hospital can be very tiring for older persons. With the golf cart patient transport service, entering our doors just got a bit easier for these individuals,” Ms Yearwood explained.
The golf cart, which can comfortably accommodate six passengers, was customized for the unique needs of patient transportation, particularly for elderly patients. It has the capability of holding a wheelchair, side rails for safety and support for getting inside for those with more extreme mobility challenges. It is also equipped with side enclosures to resist rain, nonskid slip resistant surfaces and durable tires.
Living their company motto, BritCay Health Manager Lamar Haynes added, “We heard of the need, saw where we could assist and were happy to do so. Our company slogan is “Where people come first” so this was the perfect opportunity to live our motto. I hope the addition of this cart to the hospital’s equipment will provide a degree of comfort and convenience for those patients who experience mobility challenges.”
Ms. Yearwood acknowledged that the donation is timely with October being Older Persons Month, a time to recognise the value and contribution of older persons to the society, as well as, develop and implement programmes and initiatives for the unique needs of these individuals. “In addition to the golf cart for transportation needs, we also have dedicated parking spots at the hospital and lines within its clinics and pharmacy for older persons.”