Translated from:
El Hospital del Niño necesita diésel para seguir funcionando
The Children's Hospital needs diesel to continue working
The pediatric hospital institution also requires an electricity generating plant that serves as a backup to the one that they use without rest
Thursday, September 28, 2017 - 6:36 PM
By Carmen Milagros Díaz
The Health House in which 34 children with physical and mental disabilities reside, began to ration the diesel in a preventive way to prolong the supply they have until they can get enough supplies. (GFR Media)
Despite the forecasts made to face the hurricane, the Children's Hospital of Puerto Rico needs diesel to maintain its required functioning as a pediatric hospital, and an electricity generating plant that serves as a backup to the one they use without rest.
The Health House in which 34 children with physical and mental disabilities reside, began to ration the diesel in a preventive way to prolong the supply they have until they can get enough supplies.
Some of the children are bedridden and others have conditions such as cerebral palsy, heart disease, autism, and retardation. In addition, the Children's Hospital is home to patients with critical conditions.
"It's something we always need. We are governed as a hospital and we have to be with the plant all the time on and yes, we are trying to ration it (the diesel) according to the indications of the medical team and the engineer that gives us service in the institution, " said the public relations, Yadirka Rosa.
As for the generator of electricity, the hospital needs to be portable of 200 kilos.
"What we want is to have a generator in case the emergency arises. We are preventing if we have to change one for the other, " he said.
On the condition of the children once the hurricane happened, the public relationist said that they are well, like the building that houses them. Damage occurred outside, both on the gates and the sign and trees that fell.
The hospital institution calls on volunteers to help clean and rebuild some areas, especially the park where children play.
"Right now, by the heat we try to keep the patients in the recreation area. The trees fell almost all and there is an area where children can shelter from the sun. There are many debris to collect, "he said.
Rosa highlighted the work of young people from the community who arrived without asking to cut trees that fell to the ground and clear the entrance and parking. In addition, a group of volunteers have brought gasoline to the cars of the people working at the hospital to avoid long lines and to help provide relief personnel.
Although food supplies are sufficient for the next two weeks, the executive noted that "there are always needs that we will use all the time."
He mentioned: baby food and desserts, UHT milk, bottled water, oil, rice, juice, pasta, bread, soda crackers, assorted cookies and canned food such as sausage, jamonilla, corned beef, and salsa.
In terms of hygiene, he commented that bath towels, wet towels and diapers sizes 3, 4, 5 and 6 are always used.
The hospital serves more than 3,000 children around the island. Early intervention services are offered through the Department of Health as well as outpatient speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational and psychological services through the Department of Education.
Those interested in helping can be reached at 787-783-2226 and Rosa's cell phone at 787-525-2866. You can also write to the inbox of your Facebook page under Children's Hospital of Puerto Rico. The building located in the neighborhood Monacillo highway 19 Km 0.6 in San Juan bordering Guaynabo
