The Calvin Ayre Foundation (CAF) has once again stepped in to assist a citizen in urgent need of specialized overseas medical care by facilitating a critical medical evacuation in collaboration with healthcare professionals.
The Foundation recently supported the emergency overseas transfer of Mr. Leon Haynes-Dover, a 30-year-old construction worker from All Saints, who required immediate thoracic evaluation that was not available locally. Given the seriousness of the condition, Mr. Haynes-Dover’s physicians recommended an urgent referral to the University Hospital of Martinique (CHU).
To facilitate this transfer, an air ambulance evacuation from Antigua to Martinique was arranged. The medical transport required specialized equipment, a trained medical team, and coordinated ground ambulance services in both Antigua and Martinique.
Dr. Benjamin Bridge, Senior Registrar in Internal Medicine at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, highlighted the importance of rapid access to specialized care:
“This case highlights the importance of timely access to specialized medical care. Mr. Leon Haynes Dover required urgent thoracic surgical evaluation that was not available locally, and thanks to the generous support of the Calvin Ayre Foundation, we were able to coordinate a rapid air ambulance transfer to CHU Martinique for definitive treatment. Their commitment to supporting vulnerable members of our community ensures that patients facing serious medical conditions are not denied life-saving care because of financial barriers.
Mr. Haynes-Dover also expressed his gratitude to the Foundation for their assistance during this critical time:
“I would like to sincerely thank the Calvin Ayre Foundation for their support during this very difficult time in my life. Their assistance in facilitating my medical transport has given me the opportunity to receive the urgent treatment I need. As a father and the sole provider for my family, this support has given us hope during a time of great uncertainty. My family and I will always be grateful for the compassion and generosity shown to us.”
Patrice Jacobs, Media and Production Associate at CAF, emphasized the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to assisting citizens facing life-threatening medical situations.
“Here at CAF, we are always grateful for the opportunity to assist with medical cases, regardless of their nature, because these situations are often life-changing for patients and their families. While we are not always able to assist with every request that comes in, each case is treated with the same urgency and consideration because we recognize the importance of looking out for one another and being our brother’s and sister’s keeper”.
The case highlights the importance of community support and public-private collaboration in ensuring that citizens of Antigua and Barbuda have access to life-saving medical care when specialized treatment is not available locally.
The Calvin Ayre Foundation remains committed to supporting individuals and families facing urgent medical challenges and continues to work alongside healthcare professionals and institutions to help bridge critical healthcare gaps across the country.