President and CEO of Scotiabank, William Clarke (right), appears impressed with the equipment donated by his bank's foundation to the University Hospital of the West Indies, on Tuesday. Also present at the unveiling were UWI vice-chancellor, E. Nigel Harris (front), Dr. Jean Williams-Johnson, consultant emergency physician, and (in background), Scotiabank chairman, Robert Pitfield. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Scotiabank Jamaica's foundation has donated equipment valued at $32 million to the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), to be used in its upgraded emergency unit.

The equipment, a high definition ultrasound system, a digital diagnostic X-ray system and six infusion pumps, have been installed in the Scotiabank Centennial Accident and Emergency Unit, the bank said in a release.

The bank's foundation last year donated $36 million for the upgrade of the emergency unit, completed in May 2006.

The new equipment was requested by UHWI, said bank president, William Clarke, "which would allow the unit to provide certain essential emergency services independently of the hospital's other departments", the release said.

In time for Cricket World cup

Clarke said the equipment was installed in time for the ICC Cricket World Cup competition to run from March 5 to April 28.

Scotiabank is a sponsor of the event.

"With the recent requests to improve facilities of some hospitals for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, we are confident that this timely donation will ensure that the Accident and Emergency Unit of the UHWI is ready for all major emergencies during this period," said Clarke, quoted in the release.

The emergency unit was constructed by Scotiabank back in 1989 as a centennial project for the now 116-year-old bank.

The foundation also provides $1 million annually to assist with the maintenance of the unit.