Trelawny, Jamaica – July 29, 2024 — Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, announced that approximately $94 million has been invested in renovations at Falmouth Public General Hospital over the past five years. The extensive work included significant upgrades to critical areas of the hospital, aiming to enhance both staff and patient experiences.
The renovation project involved two key components: $45 million was allocated for the overhaul of two operating rooms, and approximately $49 million was spent on upgrading the facility’s hallways. Dr. Tufton commended the efforts of the renovation team and expressed gratitude for their contributions. “We committed to improving the facility, and it is evident that these enhancements are making a difference,” he stated. “I hope both staff morale and patient satisfaction have benefited from these improvements.”
In addition to the renovations, Dr. Tufton highlighted the expansion of bed capacity at Type C hospitals. The number of beds at Falmouth Hospital has nearly doubled in the last five years, growing from fewer than 100 beds to over 170, including 40 beds allocated to Cornwall Regional Hospital. “The significant increase in bed capacity is a positive development, and we should celebrate this achievement,” he said.
Despite the progress, Dr. Tufton acknowledged that there is still work to be done. During his visit to Falmouth Hospital on Friday, where he also met with the vector control team, he identified areas needing further attention and urged management to address them.
Dr. Tufton’s visit underscores the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that facilities are well-equipped to meet the needs of the community.