Adventist Hospital in Jamaica Launches New MRI and Cardiac Cath Services

Andrews Memorial Hospital (AMH), a health-care institution operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica, recently launched its Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Services. These additional services mark a significant step in the hospital’s goal toward a high-reliability health-care institution, a move toward delivering quality care that addresses critical gaps in diagnostic and cardiac care in the nation.

N. Nick Perry, U.S. ambassador to Jamaica, highlighted the importance of this achievement during the January 8 inaugural ceremony. “Andrews Memorial Hospital is strengthening the health-care infrastructure in Jamaica,” he said. “The U.S. Embassy Kingston is proud to celebrate this milestone with our longtime partner in health and immigration services, demonstrating the power of collaboration in building a healthier Jamaica.”

Currently AMH is the only facility in Jamaica authorized to conduct medical examinations for immigrant visas. As part of the application process, all immigrant visa applicants are required to undergo a medical exam, making the hospital a critical player in both health-care and immigration services.

A Step Forward for Community Health Care

“The launch of the MRI and Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Andrews Memorial Hospital represents a vital step forward in community health care, improving access to lifesaving diagnostics and treatment for the people of Jamaica,” Perry said.

AMH president Donmayne Gyles emphasized the transformative impact of these new services. “By addressing the gaps in diagnostic imaging and cardiac care, we are contributing to the overall strengthening of Jamaica’s health-care system,” he stated.

With the addition of MRI and Cardiac Catheterization Services, Andrews Memorial Hospital now joins a select group of approximately 10 health-care facilities in Jamaica offering MRI services and five facilities in Kingston providing cardiac cath lab services.

Currently providing CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasounds through its radiology department, the hospital has now expanded. According to Gyles, this milestone reflects the hospital’s commitment to increasing access to high-quality medical services and integrating advanced technology to improve patient outcomes.

“The MRI service will significantly enhance our diagnostic capacity, allowing for earlier and more accurate diagnosis. This will improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for external referrals, ensuring a more seamless care experience at AMH,” Gyles added.

The cardiac cath lab is a game changer that will provide on-site diagnostic and interventional procedures, Gyles said. “We will be better equipped to respond to emergencies and provide lifesaving treatments without delay.”

Key Contributors and Partners

Gyles thanked interventional cardiologist Raquel Gordon-Adlam. “She is our chief of cardiology on our medical executive committee and has been instrumental in this rollout of our cardiac program here at Andrews.” He further paid tribute to former presidents Patric Rutherford and Marvin Rohoutas for their vision in initiating the MRI and beginning the conversation about the cardiac cath lab projects, respectively.

AdventHealth, a Seventh-day Adventist health-care organization, has partnered with AMH for 30 years. During this partnership they have donated various equipment, including a GE Signa 1.5T MRI scanner and a GE Innova 2100 cardiac catheterization machine.

“This donation was spearheaded by the president/CEO for the East Florida Division of AdventHealth, Dr. Audrey Gregory, and her team. Thank you, Dr. Gregory. Thank you, AdventHealth,” Gyles said.

Addressing a National Crisis in Health

Gregory shed light on Jamaica’s alarming cardiovascular disease statistics.

“In 2024 Jamaica was projected to have approximately 200,000 deaths due to cardiovascular disease. This collaboration between AdventHealth and Andrews Memorial Hospital is a response to these staggering figures,” she said. Gregory hailed the new services as a milestone in advancing health care in Jamaica and AMH toward a high-reliability health-care organization.

Geoffrey Liburd, neurosurgeon and chief of neurosurgery on the AMH medical executive committee, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the critical role of MRI in modern neurosurgery. “The detailed capabilities of MRI best serve brain and spine imaging. This addition underscores AMH’s commitment to meeting the population’s health-care needs,” he said.

Dedicated Leadership and Workforce

Everett Brown, chair of the AMH board and president of the Jamaica Union Conference, praised the hospital’s leadership and workforce of more than 400 for their dedication, linking the launch to the institution’s 80th anniversary celebrations.

“This is a testament to AMH’s commitment to offering the best health care possible. We look forward to continued support as the hospital builds its capacity to be the best in its class,” Brown said.

The sentiment of optimism extended to attendees, including Talianne Titus, consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, who lauded the hospital’s forward-thinking approach. “This is fantastic. The availability of these services will benefit countless patients. Andrews Memorial Hospital is a leader in health care,” she said.

Enoch Penney-Laryea, regional security advisor for the United Nations, underscored the broader implications of the launch for Jamaica’s global standing. “Advanced facilities like these improve our confidence in classifying Jamaica as a viable duty station for international professionals. This is a win for the country and its health-care infrastructure.”

The original version of this story was posted on the Inter-American Division news site.