BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – RESIDENTS of Sandy Point and neighbouring communities now have the immediate access to advanced medical services following yesterday’s (Mar. 27) commissioning of the Pogson Medical Centre.
The EC $5.7 million renovation project co-funded by the World Bank and Government of St. Kitts-Nevis reconstructed the building and upgraded the available services, bringing the former Pogson Hospital and Sandy Point Community Health Centre under one roof.
According to Health Planner Andrew Skerrit, the construction began on March 6, 2007 and was completed on November 30, 2008, noting that the entire construction was within time and virtually within budget.
He commended the China Jiangsu Construction Group Corporation who “worked around the clock to ensure that they produced a state-of-the-art facility”.
“I am confident that this new facility will greatly enhance the quality of healthcare provided by our medical, nursing and allied staff for our patients and clients on a daily basis.
“The last one hundred years have brought many changes to the original structure of the Pogson hospital and today’s opening is another milestone in today’s evolutionary process. It is our hope that this edifice will serve the community of Sandy Point and the surrounding environs for many years to come.”
Skerritt informed that there is a move to incorporate wider usage of information technology to allow timely admissions, create reliable storage of medical records and generally enhance services.
Prime Minister Douglas expressed delight in witnessing the commissioning of the medical centre. He stressed that the improved facility and new services reflect the government’s commitment to improve the nation’s healthcare sector.
“This new facility would be a substantial improvement in service quality for patients and staff. It is significant to make this investment in healthcare, as it ultimately leads to a healthier population that is capable of being much more productive on individual and national levels,” he said at the ceremony.
Governor General and former Medical Supervisor at Pogson Hospital, His Excellency Sir Cuthbert Sebastian cut the symbolic ribbon to the new facility with support from Douglas, a representative of Sandy Point and a member of the construction company.
The hospital now consists of a 12-bed unit with labour and delivery suites, 24-hour emergency medical services and offers expanded pharmacy, radiology and mortuary services. The health centre provides maternal and child, men’s health, counselling, dental, diabetes and hypertension services.
Additional features include a hi-tech closed circuit television system, security doors with entrance codes, fire stations throughout the complex and underground parking for staff.
The reconstruction of the hospital had been long awaited after being promised by present and past governments over the last two decades. The facility had fallen into disrepair after the passage of a number of hurricanes, limiting the scope and quality of healthcare services available to residents on the north of St. Kitts.
The land on which the structure now stands was donated by Edward Pogson, a planter and owner of Bourkes’ Estate. He donated the land when he recognized the urgency of need for health facilities in Sandy Point.
Pogson left a piece of land in his final will and testament for this purpose, and placed much emphasis on a maternity ward to allow the child-bearing women of the area to deliver in a healthy and sanitary environment.
