Additional Space for Accident and Emergency Unit at Cornwall Regional Hospital

Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says the new addition to the Accident and Emergency Unit at the Cornwall Regional Hospital, in Montego Bay, will facilitate efficient administration of care at the health facility.

Dr. Tufton was speaking at the ground breaking ceremony for a Diagnostic Centre – Radiology Department – as well as the handing over of the additional space designated for the Accident and Emergency Unit, on Thursday (September 13).

“The Ministry took the deliberate decision [to expand the department], recognizing the need for accident and emergency as a critical part of any hospital operation. This will provide an opportunity for a more efficient administration of accident and emergency, because a Type A hospital needs a proper accident and emergency facility,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Tufton  noted that the diagnostic centre, when completed, will offset costs, as the Ministry will no longer have to outsource diagnostic services.

“Because of the challenges that we face, we have had to spend a lot of money on outsourcing diagnostic services.   For example,  X-rays in 2017 cost us $21 million and if you look at CT Scans at private facilities, $37.5 million, so we have had to spend this money,” explained Dr. Tufton.

For his part, Chief Executive Officer of the Cornwall Regional Hospital, Alwyn Miller,  lauded the staff of the hospital, particularly those in the Accident and Emergency Unit, for their  “yeoman service on the front lines of the hospital.”

 “They have worked very hard under difficult conditions and we must recognize them, as their tasks have been significant,” he said.