Cornwall Regional Hospital to Receive Boost in Bed Capacity

Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) in St. James is set to receive a significant boost in bed capacity over the next month, with 227 additional beds expected to come online to address severe overcrowding challenges at the facility.

Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, who toured several hurricane-affected hospitals on Saturday (January 24), informed that the facility will begin reopening renovated wards over the next one to three weeks.

He noted that once these wards are fully restored, the hospital is expected to regain 127 beds, to significantly improve patient flow and reduce congestion, particularly in Accident and Emergency (A&E).

“Then by the third week or so of February, we will see an approximately 100-bed dome that will be placed outside accident and emergency, which will add another significant capacity to ward space here at CRH,” Dr. Tufton said.

The Minister explained that the overcrowding at the facility stems directly from the loss of 165 beds, when wards were damaged by the category five system and had to be taken out of service for renovation.

Dr. Tufton acknowledged the difficult conditions facing healthcare workers at CRH, particularly following the recent demonstration by nurses who highlighted the challenging circumstances.

He, however noted that the contractors are actively on site and assured that the renovated wards will reopen in phases over the coming weeks.

“I think that public health has done well in terms of the immediate aftermath of the hurricane where we responded to save lives despite the challenges to healthcare staff. Jamaicans also benefited from all the support and the coordination involving NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) …in the immediate aftermath,” Dr. Tufton explained.

Beyond bed capacity, Dr. Tufton pointed out ongoing challenges including connectivity issues and staff shortages at CRH. However, he appealed for understanding, noting that while the situation is very difficult, remedies are being implemented.

The update at Cornwall Regional Hospital formed part of a broader tour of affected health facilities across western parishes.

Dr. Tufton stated that the visits are aimed at directly assessing recovery work and ensuring that hospitals are steadily returning to full operation following the hurricane damage.

The Minister also visited the Noel Holmes Hospital in Hanover where renovations are underway at the nurses’ quarters, dietary and maternity wards.

The hospital is managing approximately 40 Accident and Emergency patients daily, with support from a Spanish non-governmental organization that provided a field hospital equipped with an operating theatre and beds.

Over at Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny, the A&E is undergoing renovations to the roofing, with reinforcement of columns to prevent wind damage. The hospital’s dietary facilities and a third of its bed capacity were impacted, with operations currently limited to 30-40 beds.

“Luckily, what was the COVID-19 ward, that had some damage and they quickly repaired that and moved the A&E over into that facility. Then in terms of dietary and storage, there is a site now where we’re trying to put some containers for storage to support dietary for the time being,” Dr. Tufton added.

He further stated that full pre-hurricane operations are expected to resume by March, with staff accommodation also being addressed.