Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton says workers at the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital in Westmoreland continue to provide yeoman service despite grappling with overcrowding, storm-related damage and staffing shortage.

During a tour of hospitals in the Western Region on January 23, which began in Mandeville, Manchester, and included Black River, St Elizabeth, Dr Tufton acknowledged the difficult working conditions at the facility.

Amid the challenges, Dr Tufton praised the hospital staff for their resilience. “Based on what I have seen here, I think the team is up to the task, and they really are trying. I want to commend them,” he said.

The minister pointed out that Jamaica’s recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa on October 28 last year will take time. “We must never forget what we have been through and why it is going to take some time to get us back to where we were and even better,” he said.

“I just want to say that a lot is happening at Savanna-la-Mar Hospital, despite the challenges. I know that many have been pressured and have commented on some of the issues…I fully accept that,” the minister said.

Dr Tufton noted that the 220-bed facility is currently operating with about 300 patients, describing the situation as challenging.

He said that storm damage has further disrupted operations, with the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department undergoing repair after leaks from the storm.

Since the event, patients have been relocated, and the Barbados field hospital has been used as a spillover site, taking in about 55 patients, Dr Tufton added.

“The partnership is serving a useful purpose,” the minister said, estimating that the Barbados field hospital will wind down operations within a week.

Dr Tufton also provided updates on reconstruction efforts, including the rebuilding of a previously destroyed outpatient clinic. Contractors are on site, he said, and construction is targeted for completion by March.

Beyond infrastructure, Dr Tufton highlighted systemic challenges, such as staff shortage.

Another factor contributing to overcrowding is reduced use of health centres across the parish, he further pointed out. “Part of the overcrowding is caused by persons who are bypassing the health centres and coming straight to the hospital,” he said.

The minister also reiterated concerns about patients not adhering to treatment plans, warning that untreated hypertension or diabetes can drive patients to the A&E department.

Dr Tufton urged residents to seek care earlier and utilise health centres for services and support as the health system rebuilds. “They should try their very best to go to their health centres and get the services and the support, while we try to build back both the health centre and the hospital,” he encouraged.

At Black River Hospital, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa, the Minister noted that the facility now has between 30 and 40 beds, far below its normal 150-bed capacity.

Dr Tufton also visited the Noel Holmes Hospital in Hanover; Cornwall Regional Hospital, St James, and Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny.