Jamaica Producers Group (JP) has continued its investment and ongoing stewardship in St Mary with the completion of renovations in the Male Medical Ward at the Annotto Bay Hospital. 

For 21 patients housed on the ward, the new renovations will provide additional privacy and a significant improvement in the ward’s hygiene facilities. The extensive project, which saw a complete overhaul of the patient bathrooms, showers, sluice room and burn patient treatment room is valued approximately $1.1 million. To mark the project’s completion, a symbolic ribbon cutting ceremony was held on October 21, with the nurses on ward, representatives from Jamaica Producers Group and senior members of the Annotto Bay Hospital. The elated nurses and patients were also treated to a variety of JP St Mary’s products. 

IMPROVEMENTS UPLIFTING PATIENTS’ SPIRITS

While sharing details on some of the improvements the hospital has been making to uplift its patients’ experience, Marsha Lee, the facility’s CEO, stated: “I must say that the renovations undertaken by Jamaica Producers, especially in light of the pandemic, are fitting and really appreciated. We have had to divert funds to meet additional needs of the hospital and the assistance from JP has really improved the Male Medical Ward.”

She continued: “In the past we had many challenges as it relates to the comfort level of the patients on the ward, especially where bathroom facilities were concerned. So, I was really happy when we were approached by JP for this generous donation.”

Currently, the Male Medical Ward functions as a dual medical ward serving surgical and medical patients. 

“In this current climate where our hospitals have been under evident strain, we were moved to make this gesture to ensure that the Annotto Bay Hospital – which serves our 200+ team at JP Farms and the wider St Mary community – is better equipped to navigate this new national health challenge in addition to its daily load. For the patients, we wanted to provide a clean and comfortable environment that would help lift the spirits while they recover, and we wanted to ensure that the nurses were able to operate comfortably and efficiently,” said Lisa Johnston, corporate affairs manager at Jamaica Producers Group.

The six-month renovation project included roofing and plumbing repairs, replacement of fixtures, repainting, installation of storage space and removal of outdated equipment. 

Jamaica Producers Group has provided extensive support to Annotto Bay Hospital over the years. The company looks forward to strengthening the partnership in line with its commitment to long-term sustainability in the parish. As such, plans are already in place to conduct further upgrades to other sections of the hospital.