Island Rock has responded quickly to the need for beds at the Children’s Hospital as Samoa battles the rising cases of dengue fever.
Last week hospital officials said the children’s hospital had reached maximum capacity with all 50+ beds taken by children with dengue as well as other medical conditions.
By Monday afternoon 28th July, the family-owned and operated Island Rock Ltd, had 10 beds delivered to the Motootua National Hospital, for the children’s ward.
ISLAND ROCK representative, Maiava Iosia Maiava, said the decision to donate 10 beds came when CEO Tuaopepe Asiata Jerry Wallwork, saw posts on the media highlighting the overcrowding especially at the children’s ward.
“He is seeing the children in the hospital and it is very sad, and so this is one way that we, at Island Rock, can help..”
Island Rock stepped in with a donation of beds for the children’s ward totalling $30,000 tala.
Afioga PAPALII ULUGIA Dr TITO KAMU who had said last week in a press conference that the children’s ward had reached maximum capacity, was present to receive the generous donation.
“There are 52 beds at the Children’s Hospital ward and these will go a long way to help us care for more children who need to be admitted..” he said.
“There is an isolation ward and some children have had to be taken there.”
Dengue has taken the lives of two children since the outbreak in January. As of 25th January, there are 1756 confirmed cases in Samoa with a record 480 last week alone. That is a jump from 331 confirmed cases the week before.
“This fever lasts for 2 days or 48 hours, not eating, not drinking, but vomiting, with headaches, stomach and body aches as well as fever..” explains Dr Kamu.
Dr Kamu also indicated that children from 1 to 15 years of age are the ones who are most affected by the impacts of dengue.
Papalii said the Motootua hospital clinic used to see 60 children on average per day, but recently it has 200 children patients coming in during one shift.
He confirmed that this week – they are opening the clinic 24 hours a day for patients.
Maiava of ISLAND ROCK said their CEO TUAOPEPE ASIATA has confirmed the company is planning to donate a further 10 beds for the Tuasivi hospital in Savaii next week.
Tuaopepe Asiata appeals to all businesses to provide their assistance to the children’s hospital at this time, with Samoa facing a difficult time with dengue fever, Maiava said.
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