Hewanorra Health Volunteers

St. Jude is at the heart of Hewanorra Health Volunteers (HHV). Its name calls to mind the place that brought us together; the people that worked alongside us; the patients we have served; and the reason our group was founded in 2006.

Current news

The St. Lucian media provide timely coverage of island and hospital news. Their search engines offer an easy way to learn about efforts to rebuild St. Jude and restore quality healthcare for St. Lucia's southern residents.

• St. Lucia Star 

• St. Lucia Online

• The Voice

A rich history

Built by the U.S. government for use during World War II, St. Jude was still undergoing construction at the war’s end. It remained unused for the next decade while rainforest grew around it.

Eventually, The Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother (a Catholic order based in the U.S.) opened the facility as a charity hospital, giving care at no charge.

In the 21^st century, the St Lucian Ministry of Health has assumed management of the hospital. Staff are employed by the Ministry of Health, management is accountable to a government-appointed Board of Directors. Most care continues to be provided for free or at reduced cost, despite the need to balance a budget.

Before the temporary closure of the St. Jude campus in September, 2009, the hospital included 88 inpatient beds in the medical, surgical, pediatric and maternity wards. Emergency, outpatient and routine surgeries were performed in two operating rooms. The Emergency Department was staffed with permanent physicians. Outpatient areas included a walk-in clinic; follow-up clinics for the medical, pediatrics, surgery and OB/GYN departments; psychiatry; dentistry; and physical therapy.

Specialists in ophthalmology (ear), cardiology (heart), otorhinolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) and urology (urinary/urogenital tract) continue to be available on a limited basis.

A hopeful future

The St. Jude staff and administration continue to provide care in their temporary quarters at the National Stadium. Although long-term plans are still under development, there is widespread support for rebuilding the hospital in the years ahead.