New State-of-the-Art District Health Centre Opens in Buff Bay

Approximately 25,000 persons in Portland are benefiting from the new state-of-the-art Buff Bay District Health Centre, which was built at a cost of $300 million by the National Health Fund (NHF).

The facility has been designed to provide comprehensive healthcare services, which is part of a broader effort to improve public health infrastructure and respond to the growing healthcare needs of the population.

It will also help to bolster attempts at community mindset transformation, and greater reliance on preventive healthcare.

Among the additions to the new facility are an Asthma Bay, Trauma Bay and a Physiotherapy Department.

There are also doctors’ offices, nurses’ offices, a staff room, a medical records office, a dental office, treatment rooms, assessment rooms, dressing rooms, waiting areas, sterilisation equipment, laundry, storerooms as well as a diagnostic area.

Delivering the keynote address at the official opening of the centre, on August 15, Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, said the facility will offer a lot more services, “in keeping with greater outreach at the community level”.

He said the impact of the investment will extend beyond physical improvements, as improved working conditions are created for caregivers, and there will be a more conducive environment for healing and recovery.

Dr. Tufton said the success of the project underscores the importance of continued collaboration and investment in healthcare infrastructure.

The original facility was built over a century ago by the British Government and, over time, its core operations were reduced from a general hospital to a community hospital in 1985 and was declassified to a Type 4 health centre.

“There are certain curative services that previously you had to go to the hospital to get, you are going to be able to get it here,” the Minister said.

For his part, Member of Parliament for Portland Western, Hon. Daryl Vaz, said the new facility is now ensuring that when “you come here, you will be able to get swift good care” and that the pharmacy service to be offered is a great convenience for the people.