Main infrastructure works are underneath means at Could Pen Hospital to ease congestion, enhance security, and improve service supply, in response to rising demand from Clarendon and neighbouring parishes.
Minister of Well being and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, outlined the enhancements throughout a tour of the ability in Clarendon, on Friday (Could 30), noting that the hospital is working past its designed capability.
“This hospital is initially 170 beds however I’m advised that typically the demand goes as much as 250 beds or much more in some situations when you’ve the frenzy,” the Minister mentioned.
“The inhabitants growth in Clarendon, in addition to in St. Catherine and possibly so far as St. Ann alongside the borders, locations much more strain on this facility,” he continued.
Among the many key works in progress are upgrades to the emergency driveway and employees parking, that are a part of a broader automobile park relocation effort. Two new automobile parks have been constructed at a price of roughly $180 million.
“This can create a extra orderly atmosphere… extra orderly parking and the emergency driveway for individuals who require emergency,” the Minister mentioned.
The unique automobile park, he famous, will grow to be the positioning of a proposed outpatient specialist clinic, which is awaiting Cupboard approval.
“I’m hoping that over the following week or so, topic to Cupboard’s approval, is a $600-million-plus award of a contract to construct a brand new outpatient specialist clinic,” the Minister mentioned.
“This can imply including some extra companies – specialist companies in a brand new facility – that can present for each sufferers and docs and their assist groups to offer companies to the increasing demand,” he added.
Work can be progressing on the hospital’s perimeter wall, which is being carried out in phases, to reinforce the safety of the ability.
“Should you look behind you, you will note the perimeter wall, which is full within the first part with one other part to be accomplished. All advised, will probably be about $100 million as a result of we have to safe the premises. And that’s going to be continued within the months to come back,” Dr. Tufton mentioned.
The Minister additionally talked about plans to broaden mattress capability by way of a proposed $25-million funding, in addition to efforts to strengthen staffing.
“What we have to do is to fill the employees complement we now have, so I’m going to be working with the SMO (Senior Medical Officer) for that,” he mentioned.
Trying past the Could Pen Hospital, Dr. Tufton emphasised the necessity to operationalise the Chapelton Group Hospital and additional assist Lionel City Hospital to ease strain on the primary facility.
He additionally cited plans to determine three new well being centres underneath the Well being Programs Strengthening Programme (HSSP) – Mocho Well being Centre, Could Pen North, and Could Pen East.
“We now have improved the companies; we’re increasing the infrastructure. It’s at all times a piece in progress… however I consider the folks of the parish might be higher off for the work that’s being accomplished,” the Minister mentioned.
