The Savanna-la-mar Hospital in Westmoreland now has a brand new $29-million boiler system and room courtesy of the National Health Fund (NHF).

Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton officially commissioned the system for use last Friday (March 10).

This latest project aligns with the organisation’s mission to help improve the health of Jamaicans islandwide.

“The new boiler unit ensures stability in executing various functions at the Type-B facility and therefore positively affects service delivery, which is an area of focus for the Fund.

The NHF is always pleased to play an integral role in supporting the agenda of the health ministry and the regional health authorities in improving healthcare in Jamaica,” Everton Anderson, chief executive officer.

Also in the Western Region, the NHF is providing funding for the renovation of the Cambridge Health Centre at a value of $59.31 million, and the upgrading of the electrical system at the Falmouth General Public Hospital, a $55.36-million undertaking.

What is a boiler system?

From heating and steam sterilisation to laundry services, hospitals heavily rely on their boiler systems for so many essential operations. 

The entire sterilisation process inside a hospital begins with its system of industrial boilers. These boilers are what allow the hospital to function effectively.

They produce the steam that is used to heat the building, heat the water, wash all of the hospital’s laundry, and operate the kitchen, among other vital hospital tasks.