TSL Health Centre in Ocho Rios Ready to Respond to Emergencies Involving Cruise Visitors

Technological Solutions Limited (TSL) Health and Wellness Centre in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, has been lauded for its readiness in the event of an emergency involving cruise visitors.

The commendation comes from Chairman of the National Cruise Council and Mayor of St. Ann’s Bay, Councillor Michael Belnavis.

The facility is situated in the Island Village Shopping Centre, just a stone’s throw from the cruise pier and major hotels.

At a recent press briefing following the monthly meeting of the St. Ann Municipal Corporation, Mr. Belnavis said the facility is positioned as a crucial resource for both cruise passengers and hotel guests in the resort town of Ocho Rios.

There had been concerns that there should be a nearby facility to substitute for a trip to the St Ann’s Bay Hospital, in the event of a real emergency.

“The TSL Health and Wellness Centre has stepped up remarkably to fill this gap. It’s a win-win for everybody, putting Ocho Rios in good stead. The readiness of this facility not only improves safety for our visitors but also positions the Ocho Rios pier as a unique and preferred port of call,” the Mayor said.

Mr. Belnavis argued that the development not only benefits the cruise industry but also has broader implications for the local economy.

“Increased confidence in our medical infrastructure can lead to more cruise lines choosing Ocho Rios as their port of call. This means more visitors, which translates to more economic activities for our shops, restaurants and attractions,” he said.

Substantial investments have been made at the TSL Health and Wellness Centre to ensure it meets international health standards. It has modern medical equipment and a team of qualified professionals ready to respond to emergencies.

“Our mission is to provide immediate and high-quality healthcare, particularly in emergency situations,” said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at TSL, Dr. André Gordon.

“We recognise the importance of being accessible to both cruise-ship guests and hotel visitors, ensuring their well-being while they enjoy our beautiful island,” he added.

Meanwhile, Operations Manager of Island Village, Andrew Reid, said that having a reliable healthcare option nearby is essential for the peace of mind of the guests.

“We are excited about TSL setting up its operations here, which reinforces our commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone who visits,” he added.

For his part, Chukka Caribbean Adventures Chief Executive Officer, Marc Melville, said the addition of a reliable medical facility enhances the town as a cruise destination.

“Safety is a top priority for travellers, and knowing that there are adequate medical services available can significantly influence their choice of port. This is a great step towards boosting tourism in Ocho Rios,” he added.

The TSL Health and Wellness Centre has already started to implement a series of community outreach programmes aimed at educating and promoting health and wellness, further solidifying its role as a cornerstone of the Ocho Rios community.

“We believe in not just treating emergencies but also in promoting health awareness,” Dr. Gordon said.

“Our workshops and health screenings are designed to equip everyone with the knowledge to stay safe and healthy while enjoying their time in Ocho Rios,” he said.

As Ocho Rios continues to attract a growing number of cruise visitors, the importance of reliable healthcare cannot be overstated.

“With its proactive measures, the Centre is not only enhancing the visitor experience but is also setting a standard for medical readiness in other tourist destinations across the Caribbean,” Mayor Belnavis said.

“As the cruise industry continues to evolve, the integration of health services like those provided by TSL will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the future of travel in Jamaica,” he added.

In the meantime, Chief Strategist and Senior Adviser in the Ministry of Tourism, Delano Seiveright, said that it can only be a “major plus” in having a nearby facility with doctors and nurses on standby and providing for any emergency that may arise.

“It is called peace of mind for everyone involved. And it’s not just the tourists. Just say, for example, one of our locals gets injured while at the beach or at one of the attractions in Island Village, it’s a good feeling to know that there’s a medical facility right there, instead of having to drive to the St. Ann’s Bay Hospital,” he argued.