Minister Tufton's tour at St Catherine Infirmary new facility
On Wednesday May 15, 2019, The Hon Dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health, toured the new facility at the St. Catherine Infirmary in Spanish Town. His Worship the Mayor Councillor Norman Scott was also a part of the tour. This facility was created to accommodate persons who have been discharged from the Spanish Town hospital, but have not been picked up by relatives.
The Mayor stated that the facility is the result of collaboration among stakeholders; namely, Food for the Poor, Jamaica Public Service Company Limited, South East Regional Health Authority, The Ministry of Health, The Ministry of Local Government and the St. Catherine Municipal Corporation.
Mayor Scott said a Memorandum of Understanding is to be signed between the Ministry of Health and the Local Authority; after which, the Poor Relief Act will be enforced. Where these abandoned persons are found to be the owners of property, these properties will be taken over by the government and the monies used to see to their care.
In his address Ministry Tufton stated that over 200 persons have been abandoned by their relatives in hospitals across the island, and keeping them at the hospital is not value for money. He said where persons are able to be released provision has to be made for them. He added that persons are sitting on chairs and benches for days at our hospitals whilst beds are being occupied by persons who can be released. He added that private nursing homes are cheaper than using hospital beds, therefore this option is also being considered.
The Minister said if relatives are found to be using the properties of these abandoned persons, strong action has to be taken against them, as this is unfair. He said their assets should be used to support them, and the Laws will be amended to address this problem.
He further stated that this facility is a demonstration of the government’s compassion for those abandoned. He said discussions were being held with other Municipalities to have similar facilities in other parishes. This facility is able to accommodate 35 residents, thus freeing up well-needed bed space at the Spanish Town hospital.
Minister Tufton also commended the nurses and other members of staff at the facility for the fine job they are doing in keeping the facility clean.