MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker, on Friday last, presented the keys of a new, fully equipped ambulance to Dr. Serena Bender of the Diamond Hospital on the East Bank of Demerara.Minister Whittaker said the investment is important and allows for mobility and the transfer of patients. He urged the hospital’s management and the drivers to care the ambulance. If this is not done, rehabilitation costs would increase tremendously and further funds would have to be directed towards providing another ambulance, he posited.

He urged staff members of the hospital to continue extending care to their patients, even as the residents in the surrounding communities are on the increase.
Dr Bender thanked the Minister for the ambulance, pointing out that it was well appreciated. She assured him that the service at the hospital should improve once the ambulance begins its work.

The ambulance was catered for in the 2014 National Budget. The hospital previously had two ambulances and one crashed. Dr. Bender underscored the importance of the ambulance since the hospital serves from Moblissa to Georgetown.

Meanwhile, Minister Whittaker also handed over to Dr. Bender, a computer to be used by the Records Department of the Diamond Hospital.