At the beginning of this month, I read in a MHMS press release of an important and much needed development which told of a 24 foot fiberglass boat that had been locally modified for use a Sea Ambulance.
In the same press release it was said discussions were then underway with the New Zealand High Commission to acquire six (6) additional Sea Ambulances. I hope those discussions will lead to the New Zealand government providing the boats that aid in transporting sick people to hospital when conveyance by road is unavailable or existing road conditions make it impassible or too risky for patients that are too sick to travel by road.
The MHMS press release dated 1 May 2002, gave full details of how the first Sea Ambulance was brought to use, and I will share some of the information, with my appreciation and thanks to all concerned.
Quote.
The modifications and transformation (of the fiberglass boat) into a Sea Ambulance was made possible through the creativity and innovative thinking of St John Ambulance team under the leadership of Douglas Kelson and in partnership with Guadalcanal Provincial Health team, Pacific Casino Hotel and the Development Bank of Solomon Islands.
Michael Leong Managing Director and Owner of the Pacific Casino Hotel, one of the sponsors of the Sea Ambulance Project explained that a good public Sea Ambulance was an important investment, one that his company was very pleased to support as it would save lives and comfortably transport the sick to the hospital.
Mr. Tukana Bovoro of the Solomon Islands Development Bank, also a sponsor of the project expressed pleasure in the bank’s involvement in the project.
The Health Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil in delivering her key note address at the initiation of the Sea Ambulance said, “The launching of the Sea Ambulance was significant because it marked a new beginning in providing improved health care services to the people transported to nearest health facilities by sea.
End of quoted extracts.
Comments.
I extend my sincere thanks to all concerned in the Sea Ambulance initiative, with special thanks to Mr. Douglas Kelson of St John Ambulance, the Guadalcanal Province administration, the Pacific Casino Hotel and the Development Bank of Solomon Islands.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
