Work Well Advanced to Construct the New Trelawny Infirmary

Work is well advanced to construct the new $150-million Trelawny Infirmary, which was destroyed by Hurricane Melissa in October last year.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said the project marks the first major reconstruction initiative under the National Infrastructure Reconstruction Agency (NIRA) programme.

The Minister toured the site in the parish capital of Falmouth on Thursday, January 15, to assess the work in progress.

He told journalists that the new facility is being developed in phases, with $65 million already committed to the first phase.

“This phase of the work is to provide a residence for the people who live within our infirmary. We are going to be putting down a number of self-made containers. We’re already doing all the groundwork by putting in the base and then we’ll be putting in the concrete structure,” said Mr. McKenzie.

“Within another week and a half, they’ll be ready to start the pouring of concrete in the base, so that by the end of January to the second week of February, we will be putting down the containers and to do the work that is required to make it possible for us to [have a new fully completed infirmary],” he added.

Mr. McKenzie indicated that the second phase of the project will expand the facility to include essential infrastructure, such as a storeroom, laundry facility, staff accommodation, and a required isolation unit, among other amenities.

Within two to three months the location is expected to be fully transformed into a complete rebuild of the infirmary, according to the Minister.

The project has also received private-sector support. The Sandals Group has donated four air-conditioning units, while Geddes Refrigeration has provided air conditioning for all wards in the new facility.

Meanwhile, Mayor of Falmouth, Councillor Colin Gager, welcomed the progress, expressing appreciation to the Ministry for responding to the parish’s needs and for securing a permanent location for the infirmary.

“We are thankful for all that is being done. We will all work together to see how best we can help in bringing it to the final touches,” said Mayor Gager.

Matron of the Trelawny Infirmary, Tracey-Ann Bell, said she is grateful for the swift identification of a new site and the steady oversight of the construction process.

She acknowledged the efforts of the Municipal Corporation’s technical teams and workmen in preparing the Elletson Wakeland Centre as a temporary location for the residents.

The Matron also welcomed the support provided by the Transformed Life Church, which offered psychological assistance to staff during the difficult recovery period.