The asthma clinic at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has been given a breath of life through the donation of equipment that is vital for the care and comfort of its patients.

The Wildey branch of CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank came to the assistance of the clinic recently through the bank’s Adopt-A-Cause programme through which staff volunteer their time and resources to worthy causes. After meeting with staff at the QEH and being told of the clinic’s needs and the lack of funding to meet those needs, the branch identified and purchased peak flow meters, which are portable devices that measure how well the lungs are working. The Wildey staffers also purchased a computer and printer and a television.

Explaining the team’s reason for getting involved with the hospital’s asthma clinic, Wildey Branch Manager, Sue-Ann Malone explained, “We saw it as one of the most worthwhile ideas as we have about six staff members who are asthmatic and some have children who are asthmatic. I also had a little cousin who died from an asthma attack. On any given day the asthma clinic is full. I have seen it for myself.”

Six team members from Wildey took time out to attend the presentation of the equipment and Ms. Malone spoke highly of them and rest of the branch staff for supporting the cause. “We have a great team at Wildey and from the time the decision was made to assist the QEH, we were trying to source the items to fit the Adopt-A-Cause budget. There was a shortfall, with the difference in funds coming from our branch activity committee account. So, in essence, every team member made a contribution.”

In expressing her thanks to the bank, Dr. Angela Jennings, Consultant in the Department of Paediatrics, said the donation of peak flow meters would greatly assist with the management of asthma while the computer and printer would help with the tracking of patients as well as provide education. The television, she added, would be mounted in the waiting area.

Encouraging other teams and departments to further embrace Adopt-A-Cause, the Branch Manager said it was the bank’s way of giving back to the community. “The programme is an excellent one. There is no greater pleasure than giving and helping others who are truly in need. This programme also helps to add value to CIBC FirstCaribbean as well as bond the various teams together.”

Through CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Adopt-A-Cause programme, departments volunteer tangible and financial assistance to assist worthy causes. Causes have included the preservation of the environment, donations to the HIV/AIDS Food Bank, as well as repairs and refurbishments to schools and retirement homes.