Left to Right: N. Nick Perry, U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica, Donmayne Gyles, president of Andrews Memorial Hospital, Dr. Audrey Gregory, president of the East Florida Division of AdventHealth, and Pastor Everett Brown, president of the Jamaica Union, get ready to cut the inaugural ribbon to mark the launch of the hospital’s new MRI and Cardiac Cath Lab Services, on Jan. 8, 2025. Looking on are Dr. Patric Rutherford (left), former AMH president; Mr. Gopal Kumar Bhagat, second secretary at the Indian High Commission to Jamaica; Dr. Racquel Gordon-Adlam, Interventional Cardiologist, (center back) and Dr. Adlai Blythe (far right), treasurer of the Jamaica Union. [Photo: Phillip Castell].
The Adventist institution reaches a milestone launching MRI and Cardiac Cath Services.

January 16, 2025 | Kingston, Jamaica | Dyhann Buddoo-Fletcher, Kingston, Jamaica  and IAD News Staff

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

His Excellency N. Nick Perry, U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica, highlighted the importance of this achievement during the Jan. 8, 2025, inaugural ceremony. “Andrews Memorial Hospital is strengthening the healthcare infrastructure in Jamaica,” he said. “The U.S. Embassy Kingston is proud to celebrate this milestone with our long-time partner in health and immigration services, demonstrating the power of collaboration in building a healthier Jamaica.”

Donmayne Gyles, president of Andrews Memorial Hospital highlights the importance of the new services available at the Adventist operated health institution. [Photo Phillip Castell]
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 healthcare and immigration services.

A Step Forward for Community Healthcare

“The launch of the MRI and Cardiac Catheterization lab at Andrews Memorial Hospital represents a vital step forward in community healthcare, improving access to life-saving diagnostics and treatment for the people of Jamaica,” said Ambassador Perry.

Donmayne Gyles, president of Andrews Memorial Hospital (AMH), 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 healthcare system,” he stated.

The new Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Andrews Memorial Hospital. [Photo: Phillip Castell]
With the addition of MRI and Cardiac Catheterization services, Andrews Memorial Hospital now joins a select group of approximately 10 healthcare 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,” added Gyles.

The new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) available at Andrews Memorial Hospital. [Photo: Phillip Castell]
The Cardiac Cath Lab is a game changer that will provide on-site diagnostic and interventional procedures, said Gyles. “We will be better equipped to respond to emergencies and provide lifesaving treatments without delay.”

Key Contributors and Partners in the Expansion

Gyles thanked Interventional Cardiologist Dr Raquel Gordon-Adlam, “She is our chief of cardiology on our medical executive committee and has been instrumental in this roll-out of our cardiac program here at Andrews.” He further paid tribute to former presidents Dr. Patric Rutherford and Dr. 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 healthcare 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.

Dr. Racquel Gordon-Adlam (left), interventional cardiologist and chief of cardiology at Andrews Memorial Hospital explains the functionalities of the Cardiac Cath Lab to N. Nick Perry (left), U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica, alongside Donmayne Gyles (third left), president of Andrews Memorial Hospital, and Dr. Audrey Gregory (right), president of the East Florida Division of AdventHealth. [Photo: Phillip Castell]
“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,” added Gyles.

Addressing a National Crisis in Health

Dr. 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,” said Dr Gregory, who hailed the new services as a milestone in advancing healthcare in Jamaica and AMH toward a high-reliability healthcare organization.

Dr. Audrey Gregory, president of the East Florida Division of AdventHealth, speaks during the recent launch at Andrews Memorial Hospital. [Photo Phillip Castell]
Dr. 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 healthcare needs, of high prevalence of non-communicable diseases,” he said.

Dedicated Leadership and Workforce

Pastor Everett Brown, chairman of the AMH Board and president of the Jamaica Union Conference, praised the hospital’s leadership and workforce of over 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 healthcare possible. We look forward to continued support as the hospital builds its capacity to be the best in its class,” Brown remarked.

Pastor Everett Brown, AMH Board chair and president of Jamaica Union [Photo: Phillip Castell]
The sentiment of optimism extended to attendees, including Dr. 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 healthcare,” 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 healthcare infrastructure.”