In recognition of Stroke Awareness Month 2025, today (Thursday) the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Antigua and Barbuda (HSFAB) donated two brand-new wheelchairs to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre – one to the Neurology Department and another to the Rehabilitation/Physical Therapy Department – to support patient care for individuals affected by stroke and cardiac conditions.
The donation underscores the Foundation’s commitment to improving accessibility and quality of care for patients experiencing the life-altering effects of stroke, which remains the second leading cause of death globally and the primary cause of long-term disability.
“In recognition of Stroke Awareness Month, the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Antigua and Barbuda is proud to donate two wheelchairs to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre,” said Dr. Georgette Meade, President of HSFAB and Consultant Cardiologist.
“Stroke is the leading medical cause of disability, and through this donation, we hope to support improved mobility for patients as they navigate the hospital’s facilities. We work closely with Dr. Andre Peters and Dr. Gaden Osborne, and as a united team, we remain committed to helping stroke survivors recover and lead healthier lives post-stroke.”
The donation was well-received by the medical community at the hospital, whose departments serve a growing number of patients with post-stroke impairments and mobility challenges.
“On behalf of the Neurology Department, I extend heartfelt thanks to the Heart & Stroke Foundation for the generous donation of this wheelchair,” stated Dr. Gaden Osborne, Consultant Neurologist at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.
“Each year, we manage approximately 250 stroke cases at our hospital, and unfortunately, many of these patients are left with lasting disabilities. This wheelchair will undoubtedly be put to meaningful use.”
Dr. Andre Peters, Manager of the Rehabilitation Department, echoed the appreciation.
“We extend our sincere thanks to the Heart & Stroke Foundation for this timely donation of a brand-new wheelchair. Our department sees a significant number of cardiac and stroke patients, many of whom face mobility challenges. Having this wheelchair will greatly improve our ability to assist with their safe and efficient transition from vehicles to our department and back. It is truly an essential resource, and we are deeply grateful to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. We look forward to continued collaboration in the future.”
Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, Medical Director at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, emphasized the broader significance of the donation.
“Accessibility and equity are core principles of effective healthcare. They lead to better outcomes, uphold human rights, promote independence, and help reduce discrimination. This donation directly supports those principles, and we extend our sincere thanks to the Heart & Stroke Foundation for this timely contribution that will meaningfully impact the lives of our patients.”
The donation is part of a broader month-long awareness campaign by the Foundation to educate the public about stroke prevention, recovery, and the importance of accessible care.