MIDWIFE Shenelle Pearson is a resident who is attached to the Mainstay/Whyaka Health Centre and is very passionate about her work, so much so, that she is willing to further her studies in the medical field.

Her dream is to work in a fast-paced workplace like an Emergency Unit (ER) in a big hospital, and she will make it happen through diligent work and dedication.

The 33-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that being a mother of two and holding a full-time job are challenging at times, but it makes it even more interesting.

She reported that she is pleased that the Mainstay/Whyaka Health Centre was renovated and extended two months ago.

“It is more comfortable now with even more space, and we were blessed with new furniture and other things to improve our services,” she said.

Pearson added that the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, visited the village last Sunday to hand over several pieces of furniture to the health centre, fulfilling promises.

She related that the Mainstay/Whyaka Health Centre provides primary healthcare to the locals in the catchment area and even some in other areas and they also do home visits.

Pearson told the Pepperpot Magazine that she has been at the facility since 2012 and she is a qualified midwife who was successful at the Georgetown School of Nursing in midwifery.

“I have safely delivered seven babies, with the last being three years old and it was a joy doing the job I love,” she said.

Pearson added that living and working in the same village is a blessing because she is giving back to the community, which is a good feeling.

“I am thinking of doing some studies to upgrade my status as a healthcare provider, and I will consider which direction to take,” she said.

The midwife stated that the Mainstay/Whyaka Health Centre opens five days per week from Monday to Friday from 08:00hrs to 16:30hrs, and, on a daily basis, they see a handful of patients, including children with seasonal illnesses and minor injuries.

Pearson reported that the village has 765 residents, and their catchment area is Mainstay/Whyaka, Red Lack and Hill Top.

“I was drawn to the profession since I was a child; growing up I always told myself I wanted to be a nurse, and as I matured, I educated myself in that field because it was my true calling,” she said.

Pearson related that she especially likes tending to children; she enjoys the most about her job as a healthcare provider and is also zealous about vaccination.

The Mainstay/Whyaka Health Centre has four pathway workers who assist in the general upkeep of the building and service along with Pearson and a doctor would make a monthly visit.

The facility is equipped with a spacious Doctor’s Room which houses the drugs, an Examination Room for pregnant mothers, which is also used to store vaccines, upgraded washroom facilities, triage area, and waiting accommodation outfitted with seats.

Pearson told the Pepperpot Magazine that the Mainstay/Whyaka Health Centre was extended by 10 feet making it more spacious to accommodate a waiting area with seating accommodation, furniture (tables, fans and chairs) and drugs cupboard, all gifted by the administration via Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh.

The roof was replaced, the floors were tiled, the building was re-painted, and it also has electricity.

The facility is a well-kept, tidy place which has professional staffers who greet you with a smile and prompt service.

Pearson pointed out that since she was attending secondary school, the health centre was there.

It was a bit run-down in terms of appearance, and it is good that the place was spruced up with an upgraded edifice to better serve the community.

The visiting doctor is Savina Lall from Dartmouth Health Centre, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Pearson told the Pepperpot Magazine that things in the village are often quiet and they are strategically located near the community entrance, accessible and near the Village Council office.