New Emelda James Centre in Wesley and Stella LeBlanc Centre in Vieille Case

Barbara 17th March, 2021

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The government has commissioned two healthcare centres in the country – the Emelda James Health and Wellness Centre in Wesley, and the Stella LeBlanc Health and Wellness Centre in Vieille Case. The two new community healthcare centres are part of the 12 being constructed across the country by the DLP administration to meet the healthcare needs of community people in Dominica.

The primary healthcare facilities are constructed by MMCE and funded with CBI funds. They contain examination rooms, doctors and nurses offices, residential quarter for medical staff, pharmacies, and other major facilities. The wellness and health centres are constructed with concrete and environmental resistant windows and doors.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit expressed joy at naming the new Wesley health centre after Nurse Emelda James because of her dedication to the nursing and midwifery profession since the late 70s. The nurse was known to be very dedicated to people when she worked at the Marigot health district where she reportedly organized clinics to sensitize women on diabetes and hypertension among other non-communicable diseases.

“Her passion for patients’ health was evident in the quality of care which she gave to her patients,” Principal Nursing Officer Terrilia Ravaliere said. “Her love for the people, especially the elderly and the children, coupled with her selfless commitment was her passion that propelled her into this profession and became the driving force that kept her for over thirty years, as she gave her best to the community.”

Nurse Stella LeBlanc is a 2020 Sisserou Award of Honour recipient and noted for her immense contribution to health and community development in Portsmouth and other parts of the country over a 23-year period. She was passionate about primary healthcare and worked in nursing and midwifery while also teaching other nurses the rudiments of the profession.

PM Skerrit said Nurse LeBlanc was reluctant to accept the honour of having the new Vieille Case wellness centre named after her since she considered her job a privilege and a service to the people. He said she only accepted after she was made to understand that it was necessary she be recognized for her services in order to encourage other young nurses across the country.

“I dare say when it was brought to her attention that she would be recognized; she was not willing to accept again because of the profoundness of her humility,” Skerrit said. “Because for us and for her, it is about service to people. It is not about what you get in return but selflessly giving your time and your energy to people and also empathizing with people’s struggles.”