Falmouth Hospital Reconstruction Nears Completion

Reconstruction and upgrading works at the Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny are nearing completion, with the main Accident and Emergency Department expected to be finished by the end of October or early November.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, provided the update during Wednesday’s (October 7) Post-Cabinet Press Briefing at Jamaica House, where he outlined the progress made in restoring health facilities in Western Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.

He said the main ward at the Falmouth Hospital Accident and Emergency Department is approximately 90 per cent complete. The remaining work includes installation of the air-conditioning system.

Dr. Tufton said work has also commenced on the paediatric and dietary areas of the facility.
At the Noel Holmes Hospital in Lucea, Hanover, he said that staff accommodation has been completed, with the quarters providing six rooms for nurses and doctors.

He said the outpatient area at the facility has been renovated and clinics are now being conducted there.

In addition, the maternity ward is approximately 85 per cent complete and has undergone extensive interior renovation, including the installation of new windows and redesign of the operating room.

The Minister said the rehabilitation programme forms part of the wider effort to strengthen healthcare delivery in the western region, where healthcare workers and facilities were significantly affected by the hurricane.

He noted that the work is being undertaken while services continue to be provided to the population, noting that the Government intends to use the rebuilding process to improve the capacity, resilience and functionality of the health system.

He expressed appreciation to the healthcare workers who continued serving patients while managing the impact of the disaster on their own lives and communities.