The National Housing Trust (NHT) has invested more than $140 million in the construction of a modern Parent Overnight Facility at the Bustamante Hospital for Children, significantly enhancing support for families whose children require extended hospital care.

The 36-bed facility, which was officially opened on Friday, January 31, marks a major milestone in strengthening family—and patient-centred paediatric care.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness underscored the significance of the facility within the wider health system, noting that Bustamante Hospital for Children remains the only specialist paediatric hospital in the English-speaking Caribbean.

“This project recognises that parents are not visitors, but partners in their children’s recovery,” Dr Holness said. “By creating a space that feels like home, it improves the spirit and offers dignity, comfort and care. In doing so, we are strengthening the circle of support around our children at one of the most critical moments in their lives.”

The Prime Minister further explained that through a strategic partnership among the NHT, the National Health Fund (NHF) and the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA), a deliberate commitment was made to construct a facility grounded in dignity, comfort and care, one that supports emotional well-being and deepens the circle of care around each child.

“When parents are nearby, they feel more rested. When parents are nearby, children feel better,” he added.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Christopher Tufton, highlighted the project as a strong example of effective inter-agency collaboration, pointing to the power of partnerships among public institutions in improving health outcomes.

Chairman of the NHT, Linval Freeman, said the facility addresses both medical and human needs.

“The facility responds not only to the clinical requirements of paediatric care, but also to the practical needs of families,” Freeman noted. He added that the NHT’s involvement extends beyond financial support, dating back to Labour Day 2018 when more than 80 staff volunteers carried out cleaning and painting works to the interior and exterior of the building.

“This facility is intended to make an already difficult journey a little easier for families,” Freeman said.

Chairman of the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA), Wentworth Charles, described the opening as “an important step in advancing our commitment to family- and patient-centred care,” noting that when a child is hospitalised, the presence of family is critical to both comfort and recovery.

“The Parent Overnight Suite is a practical expression of that understanding,” Charles said. “It ensures that mothers and fathers can remain close to their children in a comfortable and safe environment.”

The Parent Overnight Facility, in addition to overnight accommodation, provides daytime access to restrooms, a kitchenette, lounge facilities and breastfeeding areas. The building also includes office space for the suite manager and a conference room for parent consultations.

This investment forms part of the NHT’s wider programme of community development through social infrastructure enhancements, which includes the upgrading of police stations in close proximity to NHT developments, infirmaries and other critical public facilities across the island. Through these initiatives, the Trust continues to contribute to nation-building, creating spaces that not only serve functional needs, but also restore dignity, strengthen communities and improve quality of life for Jamaicans.