Boyce: New hospital still to come

HEALTH Minister, John Boyce, says plans are still in the pipeline to construct a new hospital on island.

His comments came as he addressed yesterday’s official Ambulance Handover Ceremony at the Emergency Ambulance Services’ temporary headquarters in Jemmott’s Lane, St. Michael. During this event, that Department received two new Toyota ambulances.

“Only last week, I visited the newest site with the Permanent Secretary and a couple of other members of the medical team, which we are looking at as a new site for our completed hospital facility, including the ambulance service.

“So I think you would agree with me, you don’t want to be taking up and repairing one site, two sites, three sites... we need to come to a final strategic position in respect to the location of a new hospital and all the facilities associated with a new hospital.”

Meanwhile, giving the assurance that he is aware of the concerns staff have about the conditions of the present temporary location of the Emergency Ambulance Services, Boyce told those present of future plans to relocate that department to a new temporary location in Wildey.

“We are going to ensure that not only this temporary facility is properly cleaned and made available for staff to work in comfort and safety, but that the new temporary facility contemplated at Wildey is also properly prepared in a timely fashion for the staff to move to.

“So I want to assure you that the Ministry of Health, and I am sure the Queen Elizabeth Hospital management, remains open to discussion with the team here at the Ambulance Service, and I want you to partner with us in this transition period.” (MG)