New $55 million male ward being constructed at St James infirmary

A new male ward, being constructed at the St James Infirmary at a cost of more than $55 million, is slated for completion in 2020.

The facility will complement the existing ward, which has been outgrown by the population of male residents at the institution.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, says the ward is expected to accommodate 45 residents and will be outfitted with a nurses’ station, restrooms, beds, state-of-the-art equipment, and a matron’s quarters.

McKenzie says construction of the ward, which is being funded from $220 million provided by the National Housing Trust (NHT), forms part of a programme by the Government to upgrade facilities and infrastructure at various infirmaries.

He says based on activities undertaken, to date, “the quality of the work seems to be of a very high standard”.

“I want to commend the contractor who has undertaken the job, and I believe that they are working within the budget,” he adds.

McKenzie said that the ward, when complete, will serve as a model for replication at other infirmaries, adding that “we are looking at a total revamping of how our infirmaries are operated”.

Meanwhile, Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Homer Davis, tells JIS News that the infirmary is undergoing overall upgrading, noting that the corporation recently purchased a new generator and ambulance.

“We have also built a brand new gazebo and are now [completing] the [facility’s] therapeutic park,” he added.

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