The Paediatric Ward of the Scarborough General Hospital has received a colourful and vibrant facelift.
The refurbishment of the Paediatric Ward to offer a more child-friendly atmosphere was the vision of the Tobago House of Assembly’s Secretary of Health, Dr. Faith Brebnor. With the support of the Chinese government, it was realised.
Secretary Brebnor noted that the partnership with the Chinese government is a reflection of what true international relations involve.
She added that the new colourful space will benefit all who use it, including staff and patients.
“Children don’t only need medicine. They need comfort, they need colour, they need warmth, they need joy because those are the things that really get them well, you know. The medicine – that is what the big people think, but those who understand child psychology recognise how important it is to have those other areas. For parents and caregivers, this is often the face of some of the most anxious and uncertain moments, and a kinder and more welcoming space just like this reduces fear and supports healing.”
Deputy Head Counsellor for the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Yang Han, expressed that the Tobago House of Assembly and the Chinese government share a common vision in focusing on the well-being of citizens. Hence, the refurbishment of the paediatrics ward was a project they readily embraced. The Chinese government also donated wall wrap stickers and furniture.
“This newly refurbished paediatrics ward will offer a more safe, child-friendly and accessible experience for Tobago’s families and the children in need. Just now I have noticed a slogan of the TRHA, ‘People Caring for People’; allow me to share that the Chinese government adheres always to people-centred philosophy for our own development, and the Chinese government values deeply social wellbeing for the people.”
Artists Chris Thomas and Avie Bacchus, the masterminds behind the murals, said they aimed to include both the Chinese and Trinidad and Tobago’s culture in the paintings.