NERHA Reports Improved Primary Care in St. Mary Following Oxford Community Health Centre Upgrade
By: , February 18, 2026
Photo: Janell Henderson
North-East Regional Health Authority (NERHA) Board Chair, Laura Heron, delivers remarks during the handover ceremony for the newly renovated Oxford Community Health Centre in St. Mary on February 13.
Photo: Janell Henderson
Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton (fourth right), shares a moment with staff of the newly renovated Oxford Community Health Centre in St. Mary, during the handover ceremony marking the facility’s official reopening on February 13. He is joined by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development with Responsibility for Land Titling and Settlements and Member of Parliament for St. Mary Western, Robert Montague (third left); Parish Manager, St. Mary Health Services, Sherrie Ellis-Wallace (second right); and Deputy Superintendent of Police, Zone 4, St. Mary, Jermaine Delattibudiere (right).
Photo: Janell Henderson
The newly renovated Oxford Community Health Centre in Oxford, St. Mary, which was officially reopened on February 13.The Full Story
The North-East Regional Health Authority (NERHA) is reporting significant improvements in primary healthcare delivery in St. Mary, following renovation works at the Oxford Community Health Centre.
NERHA Board Chair, Laura Heron, made the disclosure during the official handover of the facility on February 13.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, among other officials.
The newly renovated centre, which serves residents of Oxford, Free Hill, Bailey’s Vale and surrounding communities, was upgraded through a $47-million investment by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
“Today marks another significant milestone for the North-East Regional Health Authority. We gather to celebrate the successful completion of a renovation that breathes new life into this facility and reinforces our shared commitment to providing accessible, compassionate and high-quality primary healthcare for every member of the community,” she said.
Mrs. Heron described the project as a clear demonstration of the Ministry’s confidence in the importance of community-based healthcare.
“It is a clear signal that we believe in the power of primary healthcare and in the principle that healthy communities create a healthy country. The thoughtful construction and design, combined with meticulous attention to detail has created a space that is not only functional but also welcoming and safe,” she stated, adding that, “this aligns fully with our vision and with the needs of the community.”
Key improvements to the health centre include expanding operational services from one day per month to five, enhancing waiting and consultation areas, enlarging clinical rooms, upgrading bathroom facilities and staff amenities, constructing a new car park, installing a perimeter fence with advanced security features, building a retaining wall, and improving accessibility at the entrance.
“These improvements reaffirm one of our core values: NERHA cares – delivering accessible, high-quality primary healthcare with compassion, respect and integrity,” Mrs. Heron said.
She emphasised that the ceremony represented more than the handover of a refurbished building.
“It is a pledge to uphold the highest standards of primary healthcare and to work together – patients, families, staff and partners – to build a healthier future for Oxford,” Mrs. Heron stated.
Meanwhile, Dr. Tufton praised the refurbished facility, noting that access to basic health services is vital for rural communities.
He noted that the upgraded centre reflects the standard the Ministry seeks to establish across the island.
“What you have here compares to any other health centre anywhere in Jamaica… it is the standard vision that we’re trying to promote. We want our primary healthcare facilities to be credible,” the Minister pointed out.
Dr. Tufton further underscored the importance of fostering an environment that enhances staff morale.
“The people who work [in the] facilities, must be motivated to come out to work when it’s working time [and] feel comfortable within the environment,” he stated.
