Even though they were the hosts, the St. Lucy District Hospital had to settle for second place after the Psychiatric Hospital emerged the overall winners of the district hospital???s Sports Day yesterday, part of its celebrations for Senior Citizens??? month.
The St. Philip District Hospital finished in third place. But, despite the competitive spirit exhibited by participants, who were drawn from all of the district hospitals and the Psychiatric Hospital, it was evident that a good time was had by all.
Residents and patients took part in a number of events such as the egg and spoon race, the two-legged race, tug-o-war and a 50-metre race. There was also a ???water cup??? race where the winner was determined by who had the most water left in his/her cup at the end of the race.
Principal Nursing Officer at the St. Lucy District Hospital, Marcia Hoyte, said the week of activities, which included an Open Day on Monday and a Health Expo on Tuesday, was successful.
???So far, the week was very good. This is our major event and as you can see, everyone is enjoying themselves. The camaraderie was great because it is on these occasions [that] you get all of the patients mixing with one another since The Geriatric hospital is the admission institution and then [they] are transferred to all the smaller institutions, it is good to have them on board. This event is part of our health and wellness programme for the patients and the staff,??? Ms. Hoyte explained.
She added that she hoped the activities held by the district hospitals during Senior Citizens??? Month would sensitise Barbadians about the plight of the elderly.
???I would like people to stop the abandonment of patients and I would encourage all Barbadians to come and visit all of the residents at the district hospitals. It is so nice when visitors come and interact with the shut-ins,??? she said.
Each of the district hospitals will be hosting a week of activities during the month. St. Lucy District Hospital will end their week tomorrow, Saturday, September 7, with a display from the Barbados Landship at its River Bay, St. Lucy location, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
melissa.rollock@barbados.gov.bb