Modernised Cornwall Regional Hospital Being Delivered – Dr. Tufton

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon Christopher Tufton is encouraging residents of western Jamaica to maintain confidence in the process to deliver a modernised Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, St. James.

Providing an update on the facility during a town hall meeting held at the Montego Bay Civic Centre in St James on March 23, Dr. Tufton said the main hospital building is on track to start accommodating patients on a phased basis by the end of 2023.

He further informed that the rescoping of the hospital building will result in increased bed space capacity, from 450 beds to 700 beds.

“We have a road map, we have some timelines, the experts have confirmed what is happening and what will continue to happen. I do believe with the greatest level of confidence that we are going to see re-engagement of the main building starting, if not the end of this year, then early next year, and that will continue through to a full re-engagement,” Dr Tufton said.

The Minister further stated that when completed, Cornwall Regional Hospital will provide expanded healthcare services for Jamaicans.

“We will see a brand new [facility] with expanded services, expanded square footage, much more comfortable environment for both patients and staff and ultimately will serve the people of this region and the country and indeed the Caribbean in a much better way and can go on for the next at least 50 years,” he said.

Dr. Tufton emphasised that the hospital continues to provide exceptional medical services, even as infrastructure works are being undertaken at the facility.

“Cornwall Regional as a hospital…continues to function and save thousands of lives almost every week and every month,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Project Manager Vivian Gordon, says phase 2b of the renovation works is on track for completion on April 4.

“We have completely repaired the skeleton of this building and on that basis, we are now able to say that we are going to give you a new structure by virtue of putting in all the new architectural elements to make a modern hospital facility available,” he said.

The scope of work for the rehabilitation of the hospital is projected to cost approximately $14.1 billion.

Of the total, $10.5 billion is to complete the construction work under the third and final phase of the project; $2.5 billion for the supply and installation of furniture, fittings, and equipment; and $1.1 billion for professional services, including the architect, structural engineer, and quantity survey.