KINGSTON, Jamaica. Tuesday, August 06, 2024:The Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre (SJGRC), one of the specialist facilities managed by the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA), has been selected as one of the beneficiaries for the 11th Grennell Road Safety 5K Run, Walk, and Roll event. The year’s patron is Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, MP, Minister of Health and Wellness. The event has been endorsed by Olympic World champion sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
This year marks a significant milestone for the SJGRC as it celebrates its 70th anniversary. For seven decades, the Centre has been a beacon of hope and recovery for individuals with
physical disabilities, offering comprehensive rehabilitation services that empower patients to
regain their independence and improve their quality of life.
The Centre focuses on rehabilitating patients with spinal cord injuries, both traumatic and non-traumatic, offering 28 adult beds and 14 beds for children. Additionally, it operates outpatient services, including a general orthopedic clinic on Tuesdays and an artificial limb clinic on the first Fridays of each month.
In his remarks for the media launch held on Friday, August 2, 2024, Dr. Tufton noted the
importance of road safety and the effect it has on the health system when road users fail to
obey road rules. “Further analysis shows that the 20–29 age group was the most affected age group in 2021, with 2,517 (37.5%) cases, followed by the 30-39 age group with 1,269
(18.9%) cases, then the 10-19 age group with 938 (14%) cases. As a health system, our
resources are already stretched from the high levels of NCDs and other medical issues
affecting those on the island. As best as is possible, we need to conserve our medical
resources by controlling the things that we can such as road accidents. By equipping drivers
with defensive driving skills, the workshop helps reduce the frequency and severity of
accidents, alleviating the burden on the healthcare system,” said Dr. Tufton.
Mr. Alphanso Grennell, Managing Director/Trainer at Grennell Driver's Safety Training &
Services Ltd, stated that the need for organizing a road safety 5K is to bring an awareness to
the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused from motor vehicle collisions and
crashes.
“My own experience of losing a brother in motor vehicle crash has propelled me in
persevering with this event given the little public support over the years. We will not stop
until Jamaica become aware of the negative impact of crashes on families and individuals,”
said Grennell.
He also added that the Grennell's Driving School has been in existence since1999 with vision to make the road safer for all users, whether by walking, riding, or driving. Grennell's Road Safety 5K Run, Walk, and Roll will take place on Saturday, August 17, 2024. The event promises to be a significant opportunity for the community to come together in support of road safety and healthcare initiatives. Participants can sign up for the run at the SERHA’s website at www.serha.gov.jm and https://my.raceresult.com/300804/.
Mr. Alphanso Grennell, (right) Managing Director at Grennell's Driving School, shares a light moment with Mr. Oraine Elliot, a motor vehicle accident survivor, at the launch of the Grennell’s Road Safety 5K held in the Sir Joh Golding Rehabilitation Conference Room. Also sharing the moment (standing right) are Mr. Dwayne Francis, CEO of the Liguanea Region of Hospitals, Dr. Rory Dixon, (centre) Senior Medical Officer, and Ms. Andrea Christie, Director of Nursing Services at the SJGRC.
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