UTech, Jamaica Receives Donation of Medical Supplies and Books from Nursing Practitioners in the USA

University of Technology, Jamaica student nurses join the Acting President and members of leadership, in welcoming sample items from a large donation to the University of medical supplies and text books gifted by nursing practitioners residing in the USA. Pictured from left are Mrs. Anthonette Patterson-Bartley, Programme Director, Caribbean School of Nursing (CSON), Professor Colin Gyles, Acting President, UTech, Jamaica, CSON students Jada Simon, Abrinia Ormsby, J’Anae Allen, Davian McFarquhar and Agrienne Clarke, Dr. Adella Campbell, Dean, College of Health Sciences and Mrs. Keron Jones-Fraser, Acting Head, CSON. The presentation was hosted at the CSON Critical Care Lab, UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus on Wednesday, September 29, 2021.

The Caribbean School of Nursing, (CSON), College of Health Sciences at the University of Technology, Jamaica has received a generous donation of medical supplies and text books from nursing practitioners residing in the USA. The large collection of items comprising teaching and learning medical tools such as stethoscopes, blood glucose and blood pressure monitoring kits, pulse oximeters, and other supplies, was donated by a group of over 100 nursing practitioners, facilitated by an initiative led by Jamaican pediatric and oncology nurse, Ms. Jennifer Ogilvie through her professional affiliation with the American Organization of Nurse Executives. The donation was made in collaboration with nursing practitioner Ms. Kaye Whyte, also a Jamaican nurse residing in New York, USA.

Professor Colin Gyles, Acting President, UTech, Jamaica, along with Dean of the College of Health Sciences, Dr. Adella Campbell and other members of faculty, formally received the donated supplies at a special presentation at the CSON Critical Care Lab on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at the University’s Papine Campus.

Welcoming the gifts to the University, Professor Gyles, noted that “I am truly grateful for the initiative that was made by Dr. Campbell in reaching out to nurses further afield, including Nurses Ms. Jennifer Ogilvie, Ms. Kaye Whyte and others in the Diaspora to assist in providing supplies for both staff and students.”  Pointing out that a number of students are not able to afford some of the equipment needed for labs, the Acting President asserted that “this type of collaboration and synergy augurs well for the University and its outreach efforts to serve Jamaica, the region and beyond.”  He added that both students and staff will benefit immensely from the donation which he noted will go a very long way in supporting and strengthening the University’s ethos and mission to produce work-ready graduates.

Also expressing appreciation, Dr. Adella Campbell stated that “the Caribbean School of Nursing is grateful to Ms. Jennifer Ogilvie, and Miss Kaye Whyte, for their gracious donations,” adding that “this will go a far way in helping us to produce quality nurses for the profession, not just here in Jamaica, but also for the region and globally.” Dr. Campbell noted that the donated items which are estimated to be valued at over $700,000 will be commissioned into use at both the Kingston and Montego Bay campuses of the UTech, Jamaica Caribbean School of Nursing.

Ms Kaye Whyte, nursing practitioner, presents Mr. Ikenna Odii, Lecturer, Caribbean School of Nursing with her donation of medical supplies to the School, during her visit to the UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus on August 10, 2021. 

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Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: 876 970-5299 
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm