The patients and staff at the Rewa Ward of the Colonial War Memorial Hospital now enjoy a brand new comfortable inpatient environment after a major facelift through Project REwa WARD.

 

Project REwa WARD was a community initiative by the staff of Colonial. Colonial’s participation stemmed from an approach by the Rotary Club of Suva and started in June 2008.

 

The ward which used to be the Women’s Surgical Ward had been shut down due to its dilapidated state.

 

Over the six months, the staff carried out various fundraising activities to facilitate the cleaning and refurbishments. The major activity of the fund-raising was a work-a-thon that included cleaning other wards and maintaining the gardens at the hospital.

 

Refurbishments were carried out through voluntary work by the staff together under the supervision of specialist contractors.

 

The ward now has a patients’ lounge, a three bed isolation room with its own bathroom facilities, a doctor’s lounge and a changing room for nurses equipped with a new set of lockers. The Ward has also been furnished with new furniture including a fridge, lounge suites, work stations and chairs to facilitate the needs of the patients and staff. 

 

It has a completely new look with new curtails, new beddings and fresh, vibrant yellow colours that is said to assist in the healing process for patients.

 

The total value of work was in excess of $200,000. $120,000 was funded by the project towards the work and $80,000 was donated by our generous associates in the form of materials and services.

 

Ms Janine Penjueli, who spoke on behalf of the staff of Colonial, said this project gave the staff an opportunity to bond. “In keeping with the Pacific way and in the spirit of togetherness, of caring, of joy, of fun and of much laughter, the staff set about cleaning and raising the necessary funds for the refurbishment.”

 

“We have been the ones to gain from this project with the satisfaction that our contribution will help towards bringing a little more comfort to some very sick people,” she added.

 

The ward was handed back to the Permanent Secretary for Health, Dr Lepani Waqatakirewa by Managing Director Mr Laurie Mellsop on behalf of the Colonial staff at a small ceremony.

 

Mr Mellsop added with pride that this was a reflection of Colonial’s value of “Vanua and the Community” where we support the development of our communities. “This is a Christmas gift to our community from the Colonial Family.”

 

The improvement of health services in Fiji is an area in which Colonial has been committed to. Recent contributions were to:

1.      A major sponsor of the Accor Race to Survive to Cure Kids, Fiji Islands, an event to raise money and awareness for the plight of underprivileged and sick children in Fiji. 

2.      Upgrade of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness Examination Room at the Nausori Health Centre.

3.      Refurbishment of the Mens Ward at the Ba Mission Hospital.

4.      Donation of hospital equipment to the Tavua Hospital.