Clarendon custos welcomes Frankfield Health Centre renovation

Custos of Clarendon, Edith Chin, has welcomed the Government’s investment in the renovation of the Frankfield Health Centre in the parish.

She noted that the project “underscores a fundamental commitment to community health care that will yield benefits for future generations”.

Custos Chin’s remarks were delivered in a speech read by president of the Clarendon Lay Magistrates Association, Winsome V. Gregory, at the reopening of the facility last Friday.

The project was done under the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Operation Refresh, which is a $1 billion project aimed at enhancing the look, feel, and utility of health centres across the country.

It involves collaboration with the National Health Fund (NHF) and the regional health authorities.

The work undertaken at the Frankfield Health Centre included installing new reinforced concrete roofing, partition walls, air conditioning and new doors and windows; improving sanitary conveniences; painting, plumbing and electrical works; adding new fixtures and fittings; among other things.

Custos Chin urged the thousands of residents who use the clinic annually to take care of the facility.

“I urge you to embrace and cherish this refurbished facility with pride. It is a shared resource and belongs to each and every one of you. I implore you all to protect, preserve and care for it, so that it may continue to serve the community with distinction for many years to come,” she said.

The custos lauded the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the NHF for the work done, noting that the Type 3 facility is now better equipped to deliver essential healthcare services to the over 10,000 residents across several communities, who will benefit from the improvements.

“Operation Refresh has indeed transformed the image and ambiance of our primary healthcare facilities, strengthening their credibility and reaffirming their essential role in our communities,” she shared.

‘APPRECIATE THE GOODNESS OF GOD’

Speaking with JIS News, public health nurse Nicola Faulkner-Goulbourne also emphasised the need for the residents to take care of the clinic.

“This is where they come and get their treatment. We are so grateful for this facility,” she said.

She noted that additional chairs have been placed in the waiting area for the comfort of patients.

Parish manager for Clarendon Health Services, Joseph Grant, also welcomed the renovations done at the Frankfield Health Centre and other primary care facilities in the parish.

“We are excited about what is happening in the parish and above all, let us give God the glory because things are looking up for us. The facilities are looking better, and we appreciate the goodness of God,” he said.

Communities served by the Frankfield Health Centre are Jericho, Union, Sheckles, Effort, Orange Hill, Leicesterfield, John’s Hall, Peckham, James Hill, Trout Hall, Crooked River, Bryant’s Piece, Copperwood, Lampard, Limekiln, Commissary, Andrew Hill, Waterworks, Cabbage Hill, Nine Turns, and Ettrick Hall.