JMMB Group Provides Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Healthcare Professionals
The Greek proverb, “Necessity is the mother of invention,” aptly describes JMMB Group’s response to the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the healthcare community, in light of the infectious novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Thus far, JMMB has donated over 100 face shields to healthcare professionals at Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), with a target to donate a total of 500 to other hospitals, who are receptive to the public offer.
Dr. Donavon Jackson, consultant internist at KPH and gastroenterologist, who was a recipient, lauded the JMMB team’s efforts. Noting that, based on his area of specialization, which requires interaction with the respiratory system, it is critical to have (personal) protective equipment, as there tends to be even higher risk in treating patients with gastric conditions, coupled with the overall limited supply of PPE. “Anything that can provide added protection and (reduce the) risk of possibly spreading COVID-19, is currently welcomed,” shared the internist.
In sharing the genesis of this initiative, Kerry-Ann Grey, manager, property and projects at JMMB Group, outlines that with the overall success in developing face shields for its team, JMMB decided to spread this ‘novel invention’, to healthcare professionals, who are faced daily with the increased risk of contracting COVID-19. Kerry-Ann Grey reveals, “I was motivated by my Christian faith and having friends and family members in the medical fraternity who, I figured, could benefit from this (face mask), and so I decided to make a few to give away to my network…as this is something I could do in a practical way, to donate to the cause.” Her generous spirit was also shared by other members of the JMMB team; and as such, over 50 branch and client care team members joined the effort, to make face shields in their personal time, to donate to healthcare workers; an effort championed by Nerene O’Connor-Brown, operational manager - clients sales and service delivery and Wendi Hoo-Fatt, client relations officer, at JMMB.
DIY COVID-19 Face Shields
With the recent announcement by the prime minister, that persons should wear masks in public places to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, persons can also explore making their own face shields. Grey shares that she alongside her team were armed with information to produce these face shields, primarily from online demonstrations, and then they set out to ‘tun han and mek fashion’, using trial and error before coming up with a prototype. Below are some of the DIY videos, she used to inform the JMMB team’s creation of face shields.
YouTube Video Links:
• https://youtu.be/tUE_KbaIf94
• https://youtu.be/-OCscZ1k4lc
• https://youtu.be/R46pt7sOzUg
In adding a note of caution, she said that even though the face shields provide a layer of protection, it is most effective with a face mask, and individuals will still need to exercise vigilance in adhering to good hygiene practices.
JMMB Group Encourages Social Distancing & Use of Alternate Channels
The JMMB Group, in keeping with its commitment to the safety of its clients and team, continues to encourage clients to utilize its alternative service delivery channels, JMMB Moneyline, as well as Visa-certified automated teller machine.