The Development of the Jamaica Burn Programme - abstract

ABSTRACT

The Jamaica Burn Unit opened at the University Hospital, Mona in mid-1986. To date, it has treated 75 patients with severe burns ranging in age from 2 to 72 years. The Unit is the brainchild of Esso Standard Oil (Jca.) Ltd. and the Dept. of Surgery, U.W.I. It constitutes the nucleus of a broader based Jamaican burn programme. The project has become a co-operative venture of the private and public sectors with the involvement of the Minsitry of Health and, through them, Project Hope. In addition to the acute 4-bed unit at Mona, the programme includes facilities for reconstructive burn surgery, the training of health professionals in the care of burns and an outreach programme for the public in prevention and first aid. A formal, post-basic course for nurses was begun in 1987 at the University Hospital and, to date, 7 nurses have completed the course including 3 from Government Hospitals. In June this year, a 3-day Symposium on burn care was attended by over 190 health professionals. An outreach programme which began officially in 1987 is to be intensified over the next 9 months with more emphasis on the media and on the rural areas. In 1987, the Jamaica Burn Programme was recognized by the Public Relations Society of Jamaica and given its highest award for community service. The programme is administered by the Jamaica Burn Management Committee, an official group of professionals from the Health and Business arenas. This group meets every 3 months and it is to them that much of the success of the programme is due (AU)