Huge smiles and heaps of praises for BSP were the order of the day at the hospital as the bank's Group CEO Ian B Clyne announced the start of this worthy project today (11/05/12).
He said BSP is now one of the leading corporate companies in Papua New Guinea in terms of supporting community initiatives, projects and programs that make meaningful and lasting changes in the communities as a whole.
"As the only home grown bank in Papua New Guinea, such is our commitment, as we truly understand that we have the opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting difference where it matters most".
BSP's commitment to give back to local communities is through a number of initiatives at corporate as well as branch level focusing on health, education, sports and the environment.
The project is part of the BSP Branch Community Project initiative for 2012. Three BSP Branches - Douglas St, Boroko and Gordon Commercial have combined funds and resources to deliver this very significant project under their community project allocation. Each BSP Branch in PNG delivers a project every year.
The three branches have put in K60,000, while the BSP management approved an additional K40,000 to fund co bringing the total to K100, 000.
This major project, among other works, will see a major renovation, including plumbing and electrical maintenance. Contractors Curtain Bros have been engaged to manage the project, while BSP staff will devote their own time during weekends to assist where needed.
It is envisaged that the ward will be ready to host the Operation Open Heart (OOH) program from the 2nd of August to the 9th of August this year.
Cathy Johnstone, OOH PNG Coordinator said "This ward plays a pivotal role in the rest and recovery of patients who have undergone heart surgery, and we are humbled and overwhelmed by this great contribution, as it means a lot to us staff and importantly the heart patients".
Currently there is no ward, so several rooms and a ward will be demolished to make way for this new facility. Heart patients who have undergone surgery will now have a ward and facility to rest and recover after moving out of the Intensive Care Unit.
"The new Cardiothoracic Ward is a milestone for PNG as it's the first of its kind to exist in country, we thank BSP for this worthy contribution to the community," Professor Nakapi Tefuarani, head of peadiatrics said.
Captions: Officially launching the start of the project.
Photo 023: BSP Group CEO Ian B Clyne, Kathy Johnstone - Operation Open Heart PNG Cordinator, Eunice Liam - Head of Operating Theatre, Dr David Mokela - Director Medical Services (DMS), Dr Lester Lunn - Sergeon & Professor Nakapi Tefuarani, OL.
