Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa plans to deepen its long partnership with St Jude Hospital by adopting and transforming the hospital’s paediatric wing into a more welcoming, child-friendly space.
Members of the resort’s management team visited the Augier facility on Friday, March 27.
The initiative builds on a relationship that began in 2013, after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two institutions. Over the years, Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa has contributed more than EC$70,000 in financial and material support, including essential medical equipment like monitors, incubators, and cardiac devices.
Mia Chin, the resort’s sales and guest relations manager, explained that the partnership is about more than just donations. It also aims to create a caring environment for patients.
“The vision for our corporate social responsibility in collaboration with st Jude’s is to bring that same warmth, that same love, that same energy that we do at Coconut Bay, which is the Coconut Bay way, and the Coconut Bay culture right here to St. Jude, especially the pediatric ward,” she said.
She added that the partnership is meant to help the whole community, with a special focus on the island’s children.
Head of Paediatrics at St Jude Dr Sybil Naitram James reflected on the institution’s journey, recalling the devastating fire that destroyed sections of the hospital 16 years ago.
She said she feels relieved and hopeful as the hospital moves back to its original location, and she is thankful for the support from local businesses.
“We have benefited in terms of receiving donations, in terms of equipment, monetary, finances, and also general supplies that we need for the ward,” she said.
Dr Naitram James highlighted the broader impact of the partnership, noting its contribution to patient experience beyond clinical care.
“We have our annual children’s party and gift and Ward decorating and tree decorating that is also done by the Coconut Bay spa and resort, and it is something that the staff in general…all look forward to.”
“It is a partnership that we have embraced for quite a number of years, and it is something that we are hoping will continue… as they are going to be part of enhancing and beautifying the pediatric ward to make the area a very peaceful setting for our patients.”
During the visit, the resort also shared plans to build an outdoor play area for children at the hospital.
It’s great to see collaborations like this that make a difference for kids. What specific changes are being planned for the ward?