Issa Trust Foundation Sponsors Paediatric Nursing Education Programme

Ocho Rios, Jamaica, November 16, 2011 --(PR.com)-- The Foundation recently expanded their Paediatric Programme to include a Nursing Education Program. This programme focuses on training nurses in St. Ann, St. Mary and Portland who care for the neonatal and paediatric population.

Thus far, the Foundation has spent US$5,000 on the first series of training which was conducted over the period 10th to 26th of October this year, at Annotto Bay Hospital in St. Mary. Topics included; Paediatric versus Adult Physical Assessment, Infection Control, Medication Calculation, Basic Shock, Fluid & Pain Management, Cardiovascular System and Respiratory System in infants.

The team included Diane Pollard, President and CEO of the Issa Trust Foundation along with three trainers; Jamie Sklar, BSN, MS, CCRN, Cheryl DeFalco, Respiratory Therapist, Stephanie Driscoll, RN. A total of 15 nurses and 10 doctors were trained from various facilities in the northeast health region. Part two of this module will be conducted in January 2012. Training for the second module will commence in April 2012 with a new group of health professionals.

Mrs. Pollard who has an unbridled passion for children said, “I truly feel this partnership is just the beginning of so much more and look forward to 2012! “ She mentioned that their trainers also learnt from the Jamaican medical staff during the trainings.

The Issa Trust Foundation has been committed to sustainable development in health care since January 2005 in northeast Jamaica. Through an excellent partnership with the North East Regional Health Authority (NERHA), and through the Medical Rotation Programme, they have improved the lives of over 14,000 children in the region.

“I love what Maya Angelou said…when you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better,” said Mrs. Pollard, a visionary in paediatric health care.

In July of 2010, a Paediatric Rotation Program was launched, in partnership with the North East Regional Health Authority. This effort required a significant investment in materials and training. The rotation involves two paediatric doctors per month, for the year. Since the start of the Paediatric Rotation Programme in July 2010 over twenty four (24) doctors from Iowa, Indiana, California, New York, Tennessee Massachusetts and Philadelphia have helped over 14,000 children.

Statistics gained through a new partnership with Connexin Software, indicated that children in Port Maria and Annotto Bay are actually healthier due to interventions of the Foundation in partnership with NERHA over the last few years.

Miss Suzette Morris, Regional Director, NERHA said, “The Issa Trust Foundation must be commended for their tremendous support and dedication to paediatric health care in this region. The children have benefitted tremendously and we continue to look forward to a fruitful partnership and greater things to come.”

Mr. Wesley Davis, Board Chairman, NERHA commented that, “Since the start of the partnership with the Issa Trust Foundation we have made tremendous advancements in paediatric care. This initiative once more highlights the Foundation’s commitment to Jamaica.”

For additional Information contact:

Shauna Llewellyn – Gordon
Regional Public Relations and Advocacy Officer (Acting)
North East Regional Health Authority (NERHA)
Units 34-38 Ocean Village Shopping Centre
Ocho Rios, Jamaica W. I.
Tel: 795-0102, 795-3107
Mobile: 872-0506, 457-0638
Email: shauna.gordon@nerha.gov.jm

and

Diane Pollard
President & CEO
Issa Trust Foundation
Website: www.issatrustfoundation.com
Email: issatrustfoundation@yahoo.com

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