Hospital heroes
Former Rotary Club president grateful to May Pen staff for healing hands
Published:Saturday | December 25, 2021 | 12:06 AMCecelia Campbell-Livingston/Gleaner Writer
After what she described as a "valley experience" as she was pulled from death’s door by the medical staff, who went above and beyond the call of duty to nurse her back to health, Barbara Riley Williams on Thursday presented them with gifts in recognition for the exceptional care she received.
Riley Williams, a former president of the Rotary Club of May Pen in Clarendon, presented plaques as tokens of gratitude to senior medical officer at the May Pen Hospital, Dr Bradley Edwards, and Dr Richard Groves of the cough centre for their dedication.
She also donated 20 cases of water and four gallons of hand sanitiser to the facility.
Riley Williams was was admitted at the hospital after suffering complications associated with a COVID-19 jab in August.
After hearing a town crier advertising a vaccination drive set to be hosted at the Mineral Heights Primary School, Riley Williams had seized the opportunity to get the shot, not realising that she was COVID-19-positive at the time and asymptomatic.
It is generally advised that COVID-positive persons wait until they have recovered from the infection to be inoculated.
“The following morning, it was like a 7.5 magnitude earthquake burst inside of me and I was bleeding from every angle,” she recalled.
After calling a helpline with no response and with a curfew in effect, she managed to get a hold of Edwards, who promptly assisted her with emergency ambulance service.
Riley Williams now has a greater appreciation for the hard-working nurses, who she said were “comforting, calm and showed empathy” in the delivery of healthcare.
She was touched, too, by Edwards, who not only attended to her medically but also took the time to pray with her as he sought God’s intervention for her recovery.
“I can tell you that it was exceptional and professional service. They worked on me selflessly, with dedicated service and that is why I am here today,” she recalled during her trip to the May Pen Hospital on Thursday as she thanked the staff.
"It means a lot to me. I actually volunteered for this job and I can testify they brought me in to be a part of the COVID team, and it was 'wow!'," said Groves, who was clearly touched by the gesture.
"It was a blessing, but I have seen things that can actually traumatise one,” he added.