I want to take a moment to write about “Nurse Peggy” and her dream of Clinica Esperanza. Peggy Stranges started her clinic in the apartment beneath her home when she saw the huge need of the islanders for basic health care. Later she moved the clinic into donated space in the Son Rise Calvary Church in Sandy Bay. When again the clinic grew to big for that space Nurse Peggy was able to, over time, build Clinica Esperanza.
Peggy Stranges has dedicated herself to building Clínica Esperanza, otherwise known as “Hospital Ms. Peggy.” Together, with Honduran physician Raymond Cherington, M.D. and Arizona-based physician Patrick Connell, M.D., and through the generous support from Roatán’s community leaders, Nurse Peggy has realized her dream of building a first class freestanding hospital.
The Clinic is open Monday though Friday and begins patient intakes at 7:30AM and continues until noon. Medical care is provided until all patients are seen. Clinica Esperanza averages 300 patients per week-15,600 patients per year!. The cost to the patients starts at 70 Limpera ($3.70) donation for basic care and 500 Limpera ($26.45) donation for rapid care. NO one is turned away for lack of payment.
On duty daily is a Physician, Pediatrician and Dentist with specialists available at different times. Also on duty are a group of six to ten hard working volunteers and visiting Medical students from around the world. The clinic also employs ten Hondurans which is supporting ten local families. Which continues Nurse Peggy’s committment to employ local island citizens.
If you would like a tour of Clinica Esperanza to see what your donations have achieved or what donations are needed to continue this wonderful project click on this link for a Virtual Tour of Clinica Esperanza.
Enjoy Life, Philip