Health Minister Lauds Service Provided By Princess Margaret Hospital

Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, has lauded the service provided by the Princess Margaret Hospital over the last 60 years, for the residents of St. Thomas, and parts of St. Andrew and Portland.

Dr. Ferguson was speaking at a Thanksgiving Service at Christ Chapel United Pentecostal Church in Morant Bay, on Sunday, August 2, to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the hospital.

The Minister said the hospital, which was opened in 1955, has responded well to challenges over the years, which included losing 70 per cent of its roof during Hurricane Gilbert in 1988.

“Princess Margaret has had great moments and low moments, but thank God we are able to celebrate at a time when the institution is experiencing significant changes,” he said.

The Minister added that those who have been around a long time can attest to the fact that they have seen some improvement in relation to the fencing, the wards, the floors and x-ray services.

“The first state-of-the-art x-ray machine that came into this country in recent times (was installed) at Princess Margaret and we spent a significant amount, over $20 million,” he pointed out.

“We have also seen improvement in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) area. We are now (engaged) in procurement to spend an additional $100 million to expand the area to improve administration. We expect to start building within the next couple of months,” Dr. Ferguson said.

Meanwhile, the Minister informed that plans are also in place to improve and expand the Yallahs Health Centre to ease the pressure on the hospital by ensuring that cases that can be handled at the health centre are not sent to the hospital.