(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, May 4th, 2018): Patients receiving dialysis and oncology treatments can now access complimentary high-speed Internet following the launch of Digicel’s Free Wi-Fi Project at InterHealth Canada – Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital.

A launch ceremony was held on Tuesday, 01 May 2018 inside the foyer at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Providenciales. Representatives from the telecommunications company, along with government ministers and senior managers of InterHealth Canada (IHC) were present.

The Minister of Health and Human Services, Honorable Edwin Astwood, stressed the significance of such an amenity in a digital age, along with the entertainment and educational benefits now afforded to patients while undergoing hours long treatment.

Minister of Home Affairs, Transportation & Telecommunication, Honorable Vaden Williams, praised Digicel for delivering on its promise to provide free-Wi-Fi in selected public zones. “Patients can now pass the time away on their laptops, iPhones and social media,” stated Honorable Williams. Complimentary Wi-Fi services will also be extended to patients of the Dialysis and Oncology Units at Cockburn Town Medical Centre on Grand Turk.

Chief Operating Officer of Digicel, Addison Stoddard, reinforced the company’s commitment to ensuring people are connected, and remain at the forefront of technology across various sectors, including health care.

Keno Forbes, a local businessman initiated the free-Wi-Fi project and gave remarks as a direct beneficiary of the service. Forbes said: “When I started dialysis in 2012, I actually received a certification while coming to dialysis…Now with this high-speed Internet, as a parent, I can Skype with my child and help him with his homework. You can look at your home-security system from the Internet. Being connected also provides an added peace of mind – even though you’re not there, you still have the ease of communication.”

IHC Chief of Medical Services, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant expressed gratitude to Digicel and team members for providing the service at no cost and recognizing the corporate social responsibility component. The opening prayer was delivered by IHC Chief of Allied Services, Eleanor Hall who is responsible for the management of the Dialysis Unit. IHC Public Relations and Marketing Manager, Nikira John chaired the ceremony.
ENDS