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Elaine Allen Bradley Foundation in Negril: A day at the orthopaedic clinic supported by RIU
30 July, 2026 Share
For over 16 years, RIU Hotels & Resorts has consistently supported the operations of this paediatric orthopaedic clinic in Jamaica. In 2025, the project reached a defining milestone by formally establishing itself as a Foundation and incorporating physiotherapy as a new area of care.
This is how a medical day is organised
It is eight o’clock in the morning in Negril, and already several families are waiting at the doors of the Elaine Allen Bradley Paediatric Orthotic Foundation. Many of them have travelled for hours from various parts of Jamaica to ensure their children receive specialised care. Today is a medical mission day, one of the times of the year when the centre operates at full capacity.
The atmosphere within the centre reflects constant, coordinated activity. The local team works hand-in-hand with brigades of volunteer orthopaedic surgeons and specialists who travel specifically from the United States and Canada. During the 3 orthopaedic brigades organised in 2025, the programme was structured into three fundamental stages:
1. Specialist assessment and clinical history
Upon arrival, our local staff welcomes the children, reviews their medical history, and prepares them for consultation. In 2025, we attended to 98 orthopaedic patients. The majority of these children experience mobility challenges stemming from congenital conditions, cerebral palsy, or accidents.
2. Testing and fitting of orthopaedic devices
Our specialists bring all the necessary materials for the mission, including orthoses, adaptive footwear, walkers, and wheelchairs. Within the last year alone, we have delivered or fitted 73 orthopaedic devices and performed 132 technical adjustments and repairs (including 9 complex bespoke adaptations).
3. Support and training for families
Beyond the technical adjustments, our doctors and physiotherapists guide parents on how to properly fit the devices and which exercises to perform at home to optimise the treatment.
The importance of continuous follow-up
The moment a child tries on their new orthoses and takes their first steps with the support of the medical team represents the ultimate goal of these sessions. However, we understand that rehabilitation does not conclude once the brigade returns to their home country.
Thanks to the introduction of the permanent physiotherapy service and the comprehensive renovation of our facilities, 2025 saw us assist 41 patients in physiotherapy, completing 52 rehabilitation sessions (47 hours of therapy). Furthermore, the team managed 13 complex cases, referred one patient for surgery, and successfully coordinated 3 surgical interventions.
This integration of orthopaedic devices and physiotherapy has enabled a 5% increase in comprehensive care for the child population in Jamaica compared to previous periods.
Summary of impact and data from the Foundation in Jamaica (2025)
| Project Indicator | Figure / Detail (Year 2025) |
| Centre Location | Negril, Jamaica |
| Track Record of RIU Support | Over 16 years of collaboration (Formal consolidation as a Foundation in 2025) |
| Orthopaedic Missions Conducted | 3 medical missions with specialists from the US, Canada and Jamaica |
| Patients in Orthopaedic Missions | 98 children treated (25 new cases / 73 follow-up patients) |
| Devices and Adjustments Provided | 73 devices delivered/fitted + 132 repairs (9 customised) |
| Impact on Physiotherapy Service | 41 patients treated (11 new), 52 sessions completed (47 hours of therapy) |
| Interventions and Complex Cases | 3 surgeries performed, 1 surgical referral and 13 complex cases managed |
| Beneficiary Families | 170 families impacted in Jamaica |
| RIU Framework Strategy | Proudly Committed Sustainability Strategy |
Proudly Committed: The commitment of RIU to the Jamaican community
The work of the Elaine Allen Bradley Foundation reflects the community-focused aspect of our sustainability strategy, Proudly Committed. At RIU, we understand that beyond logistical support or infrastructure maintenance, the true value lies in offering these children the opportunity to gain autonomy and navigate their daily lives with greater independence.
We invite you to discover more about our community and sustainability initiatives by visiting the Proudly Committed section on the official RIU blog.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It is a centre specialising in paediatric orthopaedic care and physiotherapy located in Negril, Jamaica, dedicated to improving the mobility and independence of children with special needs.
In 2025, the foundation supported 98 children through orthopaedic brigades and 41 patients through physiotherapy, benefiting a total of 170 Jamaican families.
For over 16 years, RIU has supported the centre’s funding and logistics, spearheading the renovation of its facilities and the establishment of a permanent physiotherapy service.
A total of 73 orthopaedic devices—including orthoses, wheelchairs, walkers, and specialised footwear—were customised and delivered, alongside 132 technical adjustments and repairs.
The team is composed of local Jamaican healthcare professionals working in close coordination with volunteer orthopaedic surgeons and specialists from the United States and Canada.
It has enabled the provision of 47 hours of continuous therapy throughout the year, facilitated the monitoring of patients’ growth, and increased paediatric orthopaedic coverage by 5%.
This action is part of Proudly Committed, the global sustainability and community impact strategy of RIU Hotels & Resorts.
