$3.5 Billion Spent on Cornwall Regional Hospital Rehabilitation to Date

The Government has spent $3.5 billion on all three phases of the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) rehabilitation project, to date, says Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton.

He was making his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (May 7).

Dr. Tufton explained that there was additional expenditure for the relocation and buildout of spaces on the hospital compound and nearby facilities to allow for continuation of services while the redevelopment project is being undertaken.

In addition, Falmouth, Noel Holmes and Savanna-la-Mar Hospitals benefited from upgrading works to accept services rerouted from Cornwall Regional, including procurement of equipment.

Dr. Tufton said he understands and appreciates the impatience of Jamaicans, particularly those in western Jamaica, for the completion of the project, but noted that extensive work is being undertaken to put a modern facility in place that will provide expanded healthcare services for Jamaicans.

“What started as fixing a ventilation system morphed into the stripping down of a 10-storey building and replacement of every single window, door, ward, operating theatre. So, what we are doing is building a brand-new hospital for the people of western Jamaica,” Dr. Tufton explained.

The Minister said that the Government is projected to spend $5.81 billion on the CRH rehabilitation this year, with work commencing on the third and final phase.

Turning to the construction of the Western Children and Adolescent Hospital (WCAH), Dr. Tufton told the House that the project is at 54 per cent completion.

So far, the primary structure, for both the main building and staff apartments, is complete, while work continues on the secondary structure, such as the internal partition walls.

The overhead pedestrian bridge that will connect the facility to the CHR has been designed and approved.

Dr. Tufton noted that when combined, CRH and the Western Children and Adolescents Hospital will create the highest concentration of hospital beds and specialties in the Caribbean region, with 750 beds.