$140m being pumped into enhancing Linstead Hospital
Published:Saturday | May 24, 2025 | 12:08 AMRuddy Mathison/Gleaner Writer
Linstead Hospital, a Type C facility serving the community for more than 108 years, is receiving a major upgrade aimed at reducing referrals to Spanish Town Hospital and improving healthcare delivery in northern St Catherine.
Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton, speaking after a tour of the facility on Thursday, announced that approximately $140 million has been or will be spent to enhance the hospital’s operations. The 87-bed hospital currently serves more than 2,000 patients per month and is increasingly required to do more because of population growth and system demands.
Tufton praised the hospital’s cleanliness, noting, “The facility is clean … . Even though one or two places could do with some painting, the cleanliness is noticeable. That’s a big part of infection prevention and control and increasing comfort.”
Among the major investments is a $60-million upgrade to the hospital’s electrical infrastructure, including a new generator system that can sustain operations for up to seven days during power outages.
“During the last hurricane, we had issues with our generating capacity. This new system gives us a buffer to repair or refuel without interrupting services,” Tufton explained.
Significant improvements are also underway in paediatric and maternity care. A refurbished building will soon house an expanded paediatric ward, eliminating the need for mothers and newborns to be referred to Spanish Town Hospital for postnatal release.
“That’s a big deal for families and for staff who will now have greater autonomy,” Tufton noted.
THREE PRIORITIES
Looking ahead, Tufton outlined three priorities for further development: staff accommodation, a fully functional operating theatre, and expanded physiotherapy services.
“One of the challenges with recruitment and retention is living accommodation. We’ve identified a building and will retrofit it,” he said.
The hospital’s dormant operating theatre is also set for revival.
“We are adding theatres in community hospitals like Chapelton and Lionel Town. Linstead fits well into that expansion,” Tufton stated, emphasising the need for supporting resources like surgeons and diagnostic equipment.
The physiotherapy unit, currently cramped, will be expanded by renovating an existing structure, allowing the team to double its capacity.
Tufton concluded, “Linstead Hospital is functioning well, but these additions – especially in paediatrics, staff housing, physiotherapy, and surgical services – will make it a more comprehensive community facility. And that’s a very positive thing.”