Cornwall Regional Hospital Bed Capacity Restored to Pre-Hurricane Melissa Levels

Bed capacity at Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) in Montego Bay, St. James, has been restored to pre‑Hurricane Melissa levels, marking a significant milestone in the facility’s ongoing recovery efforts.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, disclosed that the hospital has rebounded from fewer than 150 beds after Hurricane Melissa to approximately 300, effectively doubling capacity and easing pressure on services.

He was speaking during a press briefing held at the hospital on Thursday (April 9), where he provided updates on restoration works and staffing, among other developments at the Type A facility.

Dr. Tufton noted that while the increased bed capacity has improved patient flow, the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department continues to face high demand, pointing out that “on average, you have between 30 and 50 persons, sometimes, waiting”.

The Minister indicated that further improvements are anticipated with the restoration of additional wards and the completion of specialised areas such as oncology and dialysis, which are currently undergoing phased rehabilitation.

He explained that restoration of these critical units has been slowed by the need to maintain ongoing services.

“They have been difficult, because the use of the space while we restore has restricted the amount of time that we can spend with the restoration,” Dr. Tufton said.

The Minister also highlighted ongoing collaboration with local authorities to address social cases, noting that plans are under way to establish additional ward space at the infirmary to accommodate such patients.

“I think it’s good that we have seen further improvements in ward restoration… the staff seems to be a lot more comfortable than they were before,” Dr. Tufton added.