Patients of the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA) Chemotherapy Unit and Merren’s Health Center now enjoy additional seating due to a joint initiative by the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman Sunrise and Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) Northward.

Three beautifully designed, crafted and varnished benches were donated to the facilities in an initiative spearheaded by Rotary Sunrise in partnership with HMP’s Woodshop.

The Chemotherapy Unit and Merren’s Health Center are both excited for their latest addition, which they believe will offer patients, and those accompanying them, additional seating options.

Christine Matthews of Rotary Sunrise said, “We were approached by Alexandra Stewart, a volunteer with cancer patients, who told us there was a need for benches outside of the Chemotherapy Unit and asked us if there was any way we could assist.”

Ms Matthews noted that club members reviewed various alternatives and concluded that utilising the prison’s woodshop would be the best option.

“One of our members approached the prison and offered to pay them if they could design and create the benches. We are glad that we went with this option because by using the prison’s woodshop we received benches that were custom built for our needs. We also engaged the prisoners in a project that would benefit the community at large,” she said.

In addition to their great look, the curved edges and smooth wooden finish of the benches provide a comfortable experience for patients who prefer to wait outdoors in the open air.

On his last day of chemotherapy Neil Cox, who was among the first few patients of the Unit to use the bench, remarked, “Nice bench, just what I needed to enjoy the fresh air! God bless the providers.”

Ms Matthews said Rotary Sunrise is pleased to know that patients and their families appreciate the extra seating they have provided. “We are always happy to give back to the community,” she added.

The HSA is extremely grateful for the gift of these lovely pieces of outdoor furniture and wants to thank all involved, especially the prisoners who handcrafted them. We appreciate the craftsmanship and kindness that were invested into making these benches; it is through the hard work of the prisoners and the charity of the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman Sunrise that our patients will get to enjoy comfortable seating on the porch of our facilities.

For more information on such projects please contact Rotary Club of Grand Cayman Sunrise at [email protected].

Visit www.hsa.ky for more information and services offered at the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority.