More Money To Be Spent At Linstead Hospital

The Government will invest more in the Linstead Hospital, in St. Catherine, given that the demand on the health facility continues to increase, says Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton.

Speaking at the South East Regional Health Authority’s Town Hall Meeting on the State of Health in Linstead, at St. Helen’s Roman Catholic Church Hall, on February 20, Dr. Tufton said with the increase in housing in the parish of St. Catherine, the demand on the hospital has grown, just as the Spanish Town Hospital, and the Government is willing to invest more in its infrastructure.

“Better days are ahead for the Linstead Hospital and for the people of these parts. Over the last few years, we have developed the Linstead Hospital to be more relevant to the challenges of the people of Linstead and its environs,” Dr. Tufton said.

In February 2018, the hospital received infrastructural upgrades with a new Accident and Emergency Department, a new DrugServ Pharmacy, new furniture, new equipment, installation of a new air-conditioning system, upgrading of the medical gas system, added amenities for staff, a new area for patients, and treatment and examination rooms.

“Under construction now is the old paediatric ward. The Linstead Hospital is a 60-bed hospital. There is still some work to be done, but it’s really nice, and I see some other things that we are going to be doing,” Dr. Tufton said.

Meanwhile, the Government will expand the Spanish Town Hospital. Approximately $3 to $3.5 billion is being set aside for expansion of the hospital.

“When Spanish Town Hospital was built, it was a 250-bed hospital, and it was relevant and sufficient for that time. Today, that same hospital is hosting some 431 beds, so we are packing them in more, which is not good,” Dr. Tufton said.

“Beyond that, you have housing development in Old Harbour, Spanish Town, so thousands of people have moved in around the area,” he added.