Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer
Clients queuing up to pay higher user fees at Spanish Town Hospital's cashier and assessment office in this January 24, 2005 file photo. - NORMAN GRINDLEY/DEPUTY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE SPANISH Town Hospital in St. Catherine will receive a $200 million renovation and facelift later this month.
The renovation will be bankrolled by the National Health Fund and the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education fund set up by Government.
The refurbishing includes plans for the construction of a modern accident and emergency unit, and a new building to house the medical records department.
According to acting Chief Executive Officer David Dobson, the funding came about following months of negotiations with the authorities. He said that the renovation has "come about at an opportune time, as the hospital had been built in 1952".
SURGING POPULATION
Staffers have found it difficult to cope with the surging population of the Greater Spanish Town area and, furthermore, the hospital was severely affected by flooding last year.
Mr. Dobson expects that the hospital's capacity will be boosted with the upgrading of the laboratory. He said that the administrators of the hospital had identified the contractor for the renovation exercise, which will also take on the replacement of several machines to make both departments state-of-the-art.
He added that the lavatory area will also undergo repairs. The CEO said that work is expected to start later this month. Mr. Dobson is also soliciting support from corporate Jamaica and service clubs to help keep the hospital afloat.
"While there are groups assisting, there is still the need for more to be done," he added.
