St. Elizabeth-Based Bellevue Health Centre Reopens Following $80.62 Million Renovation
By: , October 17, 2026
Photo: Okoye Henry
Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton (second from right), cuts the ribbon to officially reopen the Bellevue Health Centre in St. Elizabeth on Thursday (Oct. 15) following a major $80.62 million renovation of the facility. He is joined by (l-r) Parish Manager for the St. Elizabeth Health Department, Sean Brissett; State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, and Member of Parliament for St. Elizabeth South Eastern, Hon. Franklin Witter; Public Health Nurse for Southfield Health District, Novelt Salmon; and Chairman of the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA), Michael Stern.The Full Story
Residents of Bellevue and surrounding communities in St. Elizabeth are now accessing healthcare in more spacious, comfortable and modern facilities following a major $80.62 million overhaul of the Bellevue Health Centre.
The improvements were carried out through emergency repair funds from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and under the National Health Fund’s (NHF) Operation Refresh initiative.
The facility, which was officially reopened by portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton on Thursday (Oct. 15), includes a brand-new reinforced-concrete suspended roof, and improvements to electrical and air-conditioning systems.
Repairs were carried out on walls, doors and windows, and upgrades made to the driveway and parking area.
Inside the health centre, work was done to expand and better organise the layout to support patient care and staff welfare, and includes a refreshed waiting area, upgraded bathrooms and offices for doctors and nurses, and a health records area.
Dr. Tufton said that the improvements have transformed the health centre into a modern facility better equipped to serve the ‘breadbasket’ parish.
“What you have here at Bellevue Health Centre in Southwest St. Elizabeth is a brand-new health centre,” he said.
He noted that the upgraded facility would make healthcare more accessible to residents as well as reduce the need for patients to travel to Black River, Mandeville or Junction for health services.
The Minister encouraged residents to use the facility for preventative healthcare rather than waiting until they become ill to seek medical attention.
“You don’t just go to the doctor when you’re sick. Part of prevention is to go to the doctor even when you feel healthy,” he said, imploring residents to get regular check-ups, blood pressure and blood sugar tests, immunisation and health advice.
The function also featured a conversation on menopause, with Dr. Tufton highlighting the importance of persons recognising and addressing menopause as a legitimate health concern for women, rather than dismissing it as a natural stage of life that requires no medical attention.
He noted that many women experience symptoms that affect their physical health, emotional well-being and ability to function at work.
They often suffer in silence, he said, because they do not recognise the symptoms or know that medical help is available.
Dr. Tufton said that families and community members are to be supportive of women experiencing these changes, listen without criticising or condemning them and, where appropriate, encourage them to seek professional help.
