|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residents of Sandy Point, surrounding communities will benefit from new services at Pogson Hospital
 |
| A section of the new Pogson Hospital in Sandy Point (Photos by Erasmus Williams) |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, JANUARY 10TH 2008 (CUOPM) – The healthcare of residents of Sandy Point and the surrounding areas will reach a higher level when the EC$5.7 million new Pogson Hospital is completed later this year with a wide range of services, some not available in the current facility.
“My Government is fully committed to the continued social development of our people. Healthcare is one of the areas that my St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Government has concentrated upon over the last 12 to 13 years that we have been in office. We felt that it was only important to rebuild the Joseph N. France General Hospital, when it was destroyed by hurricane, but also to rebuild the Pogson Hospital,” said Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, following a tour of the construction site on Sandy Point’s Main Road on Thursday.
“The people of Sandy Point and the people of St. Paul’s, Newton Ground, Half Way Tree, Godwin Ghaut, Middle Island and Old Road, who would be served by this facility would recognise an increase in the number of services that would be provided here,” said Dr. Douglas, himself a medical doctor.
Prime Minister Douglas said he is impressed with the large number of services that is expected to be available at the new facility for the benefit of the people who reside in this part of St. Kitts.
.jpg) |
| St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas (l) and District Medical Officer, Dr. Norgen Wilson (r) listen attentively to Health Planner Mr. Andrew Skerritt |
“It is a very important facility that will not only improve the healthcare facilities generally in the country, but will improve the social development of our people which is so critical to my administration during this time that we have the opportunity to be in government,” Dr. Douglas reiterated. The Prime Minister commended all those who have been involved in the project.
Health Planner Mr. Andrew Skerritt based on expert advice from the World Bank and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) the number of beds have been reduced but new services have been added.
“We will have for the first time a dental facility, a small laboratory, an x-ray unit, a small morgue as well as a large conference facility, underground parking for staff,” said Mr. Skerritt.
The new Pogson Hospital will include a modernised Labour and Delivery Suite and an additional room as well as a private room.
“I think the young women of this community will be quite pleased with the services that we will offer in this area,” said Skerritt.
~~Adz:Left~~He said a new permanent 24-hour Emergency Medical Service (EMS) will now be available. “No longer will residents of Sandy Point and the immediate surrounding areas wait for an ambulance from Cayon or Basseterre. This EMTS will serve Sandy Point and the neighbouring communities as we expand the service to the people,” said Skerritt.
With a loan from the World Bank in Washington, D.C. and the award of the contract to a Chinese company from Mainland China, construction began last year March and is expected to be completed by December 2008.
The touring party included Minister of Health, Hon. Rupert Herbert, his Permanent Secretary, Mr. Elvis Newton; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sustainable Development, Mrs. Hillary Hazel; Principal Nursing Officer, Ms. Henrietta Douglas and other officials of the Ministry of Health; District Medical Officer, Dr. Norgen Wilson.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
