Nat’l Patient Care Assn celebrates 35th anniversary
Published:Tuesday | October 14, 2025 | 12:10 AMAdrian Frater/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
A sea of pink and white filled the Glendevon New Testament Church of God in Montego Bay, St James, on Sunday as the National Patient Care Association (NPCA) celebrated its 35th anniversary with a vibrant service of thanksgiving. Members from across the island turned out in their respective uniforms – pink-and-white combinations signifying rank – to worship, reflect, and honour those who have served the organsation.
Outgoing NPCA President Ivin Malahoo, who has led the association for the past 15 years, reflected on its evolution and mission. Formerly known as the National Ward Assistant Association, the NPCA focuses not just on physical care, but also on the spiritual well-being of patients.
“In addition to delivering compassionate care to our patients, we also seek to bring them closer to God and eternal life by ministering to them,” said Malahoo, who also serves as a council member at the host church. “We are happy to be making a difference in the lives of our patients, as our voice is sometimes the last voice they hear in their lives.”
Representatives from all four NPCA regions – east, west, north, and south – actively participated in the service through music and spoken word, showcasing the organisation’s unity and passion.
Malahoo noted that the NPCA has made a lasting impact on Jamaica’s health sector, with many of its members advancing to careers as nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.
Several speakers, including Gillian Legester, director of nursing dervices at the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA); Melvern Stewart, chaplain at Cornwall Regional Hospital; and Cassandra Lawson-Laing of WRHA’s HR department, commended the NPCA for its commitment to service, discipline, and faith-driven care.
One of the day’s most moving moments came from Christine Boarfield of the St Thomas-based Princess Margaret Hospital PCA group. Boarfield shared her powerful journey from working as a security guard to becoming a patient care assistant, a transformation she credited to prayer, fasting, and faith.
“I put in the application, and I wasn’t hearing anything, but I knew I need the job because I wanted to change by life,” she said. “I fasted for 21 days and cried to God. No, that too decent. Mi nuh just cry; mi bawl out to God. Me bawl to God.
“I spoke to my bishop, and he prayed with me and told me to behave as if I have already gotten the job. Within days, a got a call to attend for an interview,” she said against a backdrop of hallelujas, as tears flowed from many eyes.
“I called my bishop and told him I got the job, and he asked if I had done the interview, and I said no, but I told him I know I got the job ... and here I am today.”
The sermon, delivered by Bishop Howard Nelson, was based on 2 Kings Chapter 5 – the story of Naaman’s healing through obedience and faith. Nelson encouraged NPCA members to remain resilient despite the daily challenges of their work, including difficult patients and poor working conditions.
“Despite the many challenges you might face, if you allow your faith to lead you, you will continue to do great things,” Nelson told the NPCA members, noting the challenges they sometime face in terms of working condition, troublesome patients and poor remuneration. “Don’t see your work as just a job, see it as a calling. Combine positive thinking with compassion and you will a make a difference. Trust in God.”
The service concluded with the presentation of plaques and certificates to more than 30 retirees. NPCA executive members who have served alongside Malahoo also received special recognition for their years of dedicated service.