CORNWALL REGIONAL HOSPITAL RECEIVES FUNDING FOR MAJOR PROJECTS

KINGSTON , June 21 (JIS):

The Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay has secured funding for upgrading projects and acquiring medical equipment, including $15 million from the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund for electro-surgical units, orthopaedic drills and a C-Arm Unit.

This information is contained in a Ministry Paper tabled in the House of Representatives recently by Minister of Health, Horace Dalley.

The National Health Fund (NHF) has donated $61 million to replace windows and an elevator at the hospital, and in collaboration with the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica, will also provide a grant of $12 million to the hospital, for its asbestos abatement project.

Asbestos is a strong, incombustible fibre, commonly used in the past for fireproofing and insulating buildings, but if inhaled, the substance can cause serious respiratory problems and even cancer.

Grants totaling at $44.7 million will be used to facilitate power factor correction, waterproofing of roofs and patios, and the painting of floors at the hospital.

According to the Ministry Paper, the management and staff of the hospital will, this year, continue to lobby strongly for additional grant funding to address major capital needs.

Among its other plans for the financial year, Cornwall Regional will seek to increase its use of technology in healthcare, and improve staff welfare and management of staff relations.