KPH and Chest Hospital dermatology departments receive US$3,000 grant

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Jul 16, 2019 10:43 PM | Health

Dr. Sandra McLeod (2nd left), consultant dermatologist and head of department with staff of skin clinic examining the 30L liquid nitrogen dewar. Also, present is Jacqueline Ellis (left), chief executive officer, Liguanea Regional Hospitals

The dermatology department at Kingston Public Hospital and the National Chest Hospital received a US$3,000 grant from the International League of Dermatology Societies (ILDS) and International Dermatology Foundation (IDF) through its association with the Caribbean Dermatology Association (CDA).

Funds were used to purchase a 30-litre liquid nitrogen dewar and accessories, as well as a binocular microscope.

Dr. Sandra McLeod, consultant dermatologist, explained that the liquid nitrogen is used to treat a number of skin conditions including viral lesions and benign and premalignant skin conditions.

“Having a dewar of liquid nitrogen on site will allow us to treat more patients as well as reduce interval between treatment times. We anticipate that this will lead to better outcomes for our patients” she added.

The binocular microscope will be used for diagnosis of fungal viral and parasitic infections as well as other conditions in which microscopy would prove useful.

It will also serve as a training tool in microscopy for the junior residents.

Jacqueline Ellis, chief executive officer, Liguanea Regional Hospitals, expressed appreciation for the donation, adding it will go a far way in assisting the department, which sees approximately 800 patients on a monthly basis to better manage dermatology patients.