New Infirmary to be Built in Hanover

Residents of the Hanover Infirmary are to benefit from new and improved residential amenities.
The new facility, which will be built at a cost of $27.2 million, will provide accommodation for 40 persons.
Speaking at the contract signing ceremony at the Department of Local Government offices, in Kingston, on September 20, Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government, Robert Montague, informed that the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund will provide $20 million or 73 per cent of the funding.
Construction of the facility is expected to begin in two weeks, and the complex will comprise new wards for the residents, a storeroom, activity rooms, washroom facilities, nurses’ stations and bathrooms; an open ward area in front of the nurses’ station for very ill residents, and a Poor Relief Office. The building is expected to be completed within the next four months.

Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government, Hon. Robert Montague (left), and Mayor of Lucea, Councillor Lloyd Hill (right) listen to Public Relations Manager, CHASE Fund, Hilary Coulton, at the signing of a contract for a new infirmary in Hanover, at the Department of Local Government in Kingston, on September 20.

Mr. Montague lauded the CHASE Fund for the invaluable contribution made in the improvement of the infirmary in general, and the lives of the poor, in particular.
He informed that the construction would utilise a different design than previously used, in that it would be more of a residential type facility, rather than a dormitory.
“While we can, we should make our infirmaries comfortable, just in case we have to go there, so that when we reach it, we can be comfortable. The new design is more of a home feel, and it also gives the community more access,” he said.
The State Minister pointed out that construction would be 30 per cent cheaper than conventional block and steel, and the residents would feel a lot cooler in the building.

Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government, Hon. Robert Montague (left), presents Mayor of Lucea, Councillor Lloyd Hill with a copy of a contract for the construction of a new infirmary after the signing at the Department of Local Government in Kingston, on September 20. Looking on in background (from left) are: Chief Executive Officer, Freeform Factory, Keith Edwards; Project Manager, Freeform Factory, Andre Quallo, Councillor for the Lucea Division, Easton Edwards; and Secretary/Manager, Hanover Parish Council, Patricia Sinclair-Stair.

He informed that the CHASE Fund has also provided some $40 million for the construction of new facilities at the St. Thomas and Hanover Parish Infirmaries.
Public Relations Manager, CHASE Fund, Hilary Coulton, congratulated the Local Government Department on its pursuit of rehabilitating infirmaries islandwide.
“We are of the view that residents in infirmaries are there out of necessity and they need the help of others. There is no reason why they should not live with dignity in their declining years, and so we are pleased to be a part of this endeavour,” she said, adding that 20 per cent of the resources of the Fund goes toward the health sector.
Mayor of Lucea, Councillor Lloyd Hill, commended the Department of Local Government and the CHASE Fund for their efforts and contribution.
“Let us hope for the best as we proceed speedily with the construction of this new infirmary,” he said.