Former Guyana and Pele FC player contributing to healthcare advancement in Guyana

Former Guyana international standout Patrick “Labba” Barton (1973–1978) has continued to shine and touch the lives of many even beyond the field of play.
Familiarly referred to as “Labba”, Patrick was also one of many Pele players back in the 1970s who migrated to the USA and attended college and worked his way to the top by being committed, disciplined, and focused.

Now, way past his playing days, Patrick has taken on a new role in the health industry in his adopted homeland of the USA and has been scoring many goals as he continues to give back to the land of his birth in the health industry whilst also remaining grounded in football.
He holds the distinguished position of Executive Director at Cedars-Sinai Health System, and this career manifests his dedication as a leader whilst underlining his steadfast commitment to improving global healthcare.
Among his most notable achievements in recent years is his philanthropic contribution to the healthcare system in his beloved Guyana – a country with ongoing needs for modern medical infrastructure.
In collaboration with Guyana Medical Relief and Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Mr Barton has spearheaded vital donations of advanced hospital equipment to improve patient care and operational capacity in the region.
According to Mr Barton, “Healthcare systems in developing nations like Guyana often face some limitations in medical infrastructure and patient care equipment. Recognising this gap, I decided to address some of these challenges, guided by a belief that access to quality healthcare should not be dictated by geography or economic status.”
Partnering with Guyana Medical Relief, a non-profit organisation focused on improving healthcare delivery in Guyana, Barton mobilised support, leveraged relationships, and ensured that valuable, functional medical equipment reached hospitals in need.
In recent years, Mr Barton facilitated the donation of a range of essential hospital equipment, including crash carts, hospital beds, mattresses, medical monitors, and mobility aids. These contributions addressed urgent needs in emergency preparedness and general inpatient care.
One of Mr Barton’s most impactful initiatives came in 2025, when he arranged the donation of 50 modern hospital beds to Georgetown Public Hospital, Guyana’s largest tertiary care institution. These beds included advanced functionality such as patient-controlled elevation (head and leg); adjustable support for improved mobility; high-quality therapeutic mattresses to reduce bedsores and enhance comfort.
This donation significantly elevated the standard of inpatient care and directly benefited dozens of patients daily, enhancing recovery, safety, and dignity.
A key to the success of this initiative is the collaboration with Mr Robbie Rambarran, CEO of Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Working together, Barton and Rambarran ensured smooth coordination of logistics, customs clearance, and installation of the donated equipment, maximising the speed and impact of deployment.
Patrick Barton’s efforts are more than a one-time gesture – they form part of a larger vision to build sustainable international partnerships in healthcare. His legacy lives on in the strengthened capacity of Guyanese hospitals, in healthier patients, and in the model he sets for future healthcare leaders.
His partnership with Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation has paved the way for continued collaboration between US institutions and Caribbean healthcare systems.
Patrick Barton’s professional journey culminates not just in a legacy of excellence at Cedars-Sinai, but in a deeply human story of global healthcare advocacy. His work in Guyana reflects the highest values of medical leadership: compassion, equity, and action.
The medical equipment donations, especially the 2025 hospital bed initiative, stand as tangible symbols of what can be accomplished when experienced leadership, non-profit coordination, and local engagement come together with a shared mission.
Gratitude is extended to Patrick Barton for his enduring service to global healthcare, the Guyana Medical Relief for logistical support and commitment, and Mr Robbie Rambarran and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for their continued partnership.