Residents of St James will soon benefit from improved healthcare access with the construction of four new health centres in the parish. The initiative, funded by the National Health Fund (NHF) at a cost of $500 million, is set to begin in January 2025. The new centres will be located in Farm Heights, Norwood, Maroon Town, and New Hampton.
This announcement was made by Lennox Wallace, Parish Manager for the St James Health Department, during a recent monthly meeting of the St James Municipal Corporation. Wallace emphasized that this expansion is crucial for enhancing health services in the community.
In addition to the new facilities, Wallace noted that existing health centres will undergo necessary repairs to improve public service. Among these, the Mafoota Health Centre is scheduled for significant upgrades, with work expected to commence in January following the completion of the procurement process.
Further renovations are planned for health facilities in Green Pond, Glendevon, Somerton, Mount Carey, Garland, and Lottery. Notably, the Green Pond Health Centre is currently undergoing renovations, which will add five new rooms and a pharmacy to better serve the community.
The St James Type V Health Centre, which functions as the parish’s main health hub, will also see expansion efforts. Wallace mentioned that purchasing agreements for the nearby Montego Bay Ice Factory are nearly finalized, allowing for the development of a five-floor administrative building on that site.
As part of these enhancements, the health sector will increase staffing levels across all health centres and extend the operating hours of the Catherine Hall Health Centre, which will now close at midnight. Wallace highlighted the importance of timely access to healthcare, stating, “There are certain days when you need to see a doctor, but illness is unpredictable. The ministry has initiated a program to employ more doctors and nurses, ensuring that anyone visiting a facility can see a healthcare professional without delay.”
This comprehensive investment in healthcare infrastructure reflects a commitment to improving the health and well-being of St James residents, making essential services more accessible and efficient.
