JNF General Hospital Recognizes Outstanding Domestic and Support Staff

The Joseph Nathaniel France (JNF) General Hospital in Basseterre, St. Kitts, inaugurated its semi-annual Employee Awards Ceremony, recognizing the invaluable contributions of twenty-two domestic and support staff members. This inaugural event, held on July 7th, served as a platform to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of these individuals who are essential to the smooth and efficient operation of the hospital. The awardees, representing not only JNF but also Pogson Medical Centre, Mary Charles Hospital, and the Cardin Home, were lauded for their commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for patients and staff alike. Their duties range from maintaining hygienic wards and assisting patients to ensuring the seamless functioning of various hospital departments. The ceremony underscored the importance of these often-behind-the-scenes roles in creating a positive patient experience and upholding the hospital’s commitment to providing compassionate care.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Mr. Curtis Martin, addressed the awardees, emphasizing their critical role in the healthcare system. He highlighted the positive feedback received from patients regarding the hospital’s services, attributing it directly to the diligent efforts of the domestic and support staff. Mr. Martin praised their professionalism, teamwork, and the positive impact they make daily, reinforcing the message that they are the backbone of the healthcare system. He celebrated their contribution to delivering service with dignity and compassion, recognizing that their work goes beyond mere task completion, encompassing a profound impact on the lives of patients and colleagues.

Six additional staff members from JNF General Hospital were singled out for special awards in recognition of their exceptional dedication and contributions. Announced in a memo by Director of Operations, Mrs. Lindsey Maynard, the special awards highlighted those who consistently exceed expectations. Ms. Stacey Battice, Operations Manager and chairperson of the ceremony, emphasized that these “Employees of the Half-Year” not only meet but surpass expectations, demonstrating professionalism, compassion, and teamwork. She underscored that their dedication translated into a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and colleagues. These special awards were a testament to their continuous hard work, integrity, and unwavering commitment to serving patients and staff.

The awards ceremony, held on the lawn outside the hospital’s administration block, was a testament to the value placed on the work of these dedicated individuals. Certificates of recognition were distributed by Medical Chief of Staff, Dr. Daveen Wilkin, and Director of Operations, Mrs. Lindsey Maynard. Mr. Martin, the Permanent Secretary, apologized for the absence of Dr. Jenson Morton, Director of Health Institutions, who was representing the Ministry at another engagement. The event highlighted the collective effort of the hospital’s staff and the importance of recognizing contributions at all levels.

The sixteen awardees from JNF General Hospital represented a diverse range of departments, reflecting the breadth of services supported by these individuals. Among them were Ms. Zahrea Benjamin (clerk), Mr. Rephael Charles (Maintenance Dept), Ms. Alva Davis (orderly), Ms. Jequila Eddy (cashier), Mrs. Stephanie Hanley (Central Sterile Service Department), Ms. Kanisha Harrigan (domestic staff), and Ms. Kezia Hendrickson (server). Also recognized were Ms. Marlene Hodge (Administration Department), Mr. Shakeem James (groundsman), Ms. Shaniqua Jarvis (Medical Records Department), Ms. Pearl Liburd (Laundry Dept), Mr. Rajiv Manroop (IT Department), Ms. Marva McIntosh (seamstress), Ms. Shontelle Prentice (kitchen staff), Mr. Kenyatta Samuel (Central Medical Stores), and Ms. Jesica Williams (Food Stores).

Beyond JNF General Hospital, awardees included Ms. Anthia Browne and Ms. Henrietta Warner from Pogson Medical Centre; Mrs. Sylvania Hodge-Phillip and Ms. Cherima Morson from Mary Charles Hospital; and Ms. Hailey Williams and Mr. Troy Williams from the Cardin Home. The special awards, all bestowed upon JNF General Hospital staff, recognized Ms. Sherema Warner (orderly), Mr. Levan Thomas (kitchen), Ms. Paulette Thomas (domestic staff), Mr. Alister Browne (Maintenance Department), Mrs. Sandy Archibald (Accounts Department), and Mr. Trevor Wattley (groundsman). Ms. Battice, speaking on behalf of the Executive Management Committee, expressed profound gratitude for their work, highlighting their hard work, integrity, and tireless commitment as the foundation for their well-deserved recognition.