Dear Supporter I hope that you are ‘staying safe’ and not suffering from ‘cabin fever’. Malawi had until recently been free of Coronavirus. Unfortunately, the president announced on April 02, 2020, that Malawi has finally registered Covid-19 cases, and as of 7th April the total number of cases in the country had risen to 8 – see https://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi-confirmed-covid-19-cases-rise-to-8-with-one-death-minister/ As you would expect, the staff of David Gordon Memorial Hospital are making preparations to deal with the possibility of the virus spreading to Livingstonia. I attach a budget estimate which had been prepared on 4th April – you will note that it comes to a total of £7,693.97. The hospital administrator advised us on 3rd April that “The items listed in the budget can be found locally. Some can be found within three days and others within one week (7 days) period. Very few can go beyond one week (7 days).” The LHP Committee met via conference call on 4th April. We were mindful of the difficulties which have arisen in the UK regarding sourcing personal protective equipment. We therefore decided to make an immediate payment of £7000.00 to DGMH out of the Partnership’s reserves. As you know, the Partnership has always been keen to ensure that it can continue to send the quarterly payment of £12,000.00. The result of making the payment above is that, as things stand, we will have to reduce the quarterly payment by the end of 2020. We are conscious that our donors (whether individuals, churches or other organisations) are facing their own financial challenges at this time. However, in light of this ‘once in a lifetime’ health crisis, we would appeal to our donors to contribute whatever amount they feel able to give at this time. In light of the ‘lockdown’, our normal correspondence arrangements do not apply. Please send any cheques (payable to Livingstonia Hospital Partnership) c/o our Treasurer Charles Shepherd at 44 Mullahead Road, Tandragee BT62 2LA. You will appreciate that we do not wish to provide our bank details by email. However, we can provide these by post if required. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely Graham Truesdale (Secretary)
