Chapelton Hospital to Be Upgraded

The Chapelton Community Hospital in Clarendon is set to benefit from major expansion and upgrade at a cost of US$1 million.

Push Start Foundation, a United States-based entity headed by Clarendon native, Beverly Nichols, is providing the funds to undertake the project.

This includes a new minor operating theatre; expanded waiting and records areas; improved bathroom facilities for men, women, patients and staff; new laboratory to improve diagnostic services; improved parking area and water storage facility; and new electrical and plumbing works.

Four additional doctors’ offices will be built and a second ward to accommodate 15 beds, bringing the total number of bed spaces to 30.

Speaking at the ceremony to break ground for the project on Thursday (October 18), Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, said the facility was recently renovated at a cost of J$23 million and the support from Push Start will double the bed capacity.

He lauded the partnership with the diaspora organisation to improve healthcare for residents of Chapelton and surrounding areas, noting that “this is a formula for success going forward”.

“We are very grateful… .  It epitomises a formula that is the right (one) to develop and expand healthcare,” he added.

Ms. Nichols, in her remarks, said she was moved to assist after seeing the needs at the hospital.  “Healthcare is not a luxury; it is a basic necessity,” she noted.

Ms. Nichols was recently conferred with the Order of Distinction (OD) in the rank of Officer, for outstanding contribution to the Jamaican diaspora in New York, adding to the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service she received in 2011, for contribution to community development and healthcare.

Member of Parliament for North Central Clarendon, Hon. Pearnel Charles, and Chairman of the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA), Wayne Chen, welcomed the development of the hospital.