Restoration works at the San Fernando General Hospital, totalling $12 million, are progressing steadily with roof replacement, repainting, and indoor toilets on the wards, says the Chief Executive Officer of the Southwest Regional Health Authority, Dr Brian Armour.
Speaking at the opening of a US$350,000 autoclave unit at the hospital on Monday, Dr Armour expressed satisfaction with the ongoing works.
He said: “Work is progressing quite nicely. We are working with the Board and the Ministry of Health. We have the funding from PSIP.”
Detailing the scope of the project, Dr. Armour mentioned that the current focus is on replacing the hospital’s roof, marking the first phase of the restoration initiative.
He said the renovations commenced in December 2023.
“We will replace the roof of the entire hospital and repaint the entire hospital,” he revealed. Additionally, he acknowledged recent support from the Ministry of Local Government for infrastructure improvements, including road repairs and drainage enhancements, scheduled for completion by year-end.
Dr Armour also revealed that six external companies were tasked with beautifying the hospital surroundings and maintaining greenery. He said plans are underway to demolish outdated structures such as derelict nursing buildings and hostels. Dr Armour also emphasized the intention to refurbish the third floor initially, with eventual refurbishment extending to all floors.
Addressing historical challenges with restroom facilities, Dr Armour underscored plans to modernize ward amenities, eliminating the need for patients to traverse corridors to access toilets.
“Back in the day, the toilets were like outhouses. With modern conveniences in plumbing, we are going to refurbish the wards to have the conveniences inside,” he explained.
“Considerations are being made to optimize space for staff, patients, and visitors,” he revealed.
Dr Armour also expressed confidence in completing the project within the allocated budget, despite its ambitious scope. He said the restoration aims to enhance the hospital’s infrastructure and services, ultimately benefiting its approximately 600,000 patients.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said the digitization of all hospital records, including pharmacy records, will be completed at all hospitals.
He said an electronic medical record will be made available for all patients where patient records can be shared throughout the RHAs.
“So we won’t have to flip through 1,000 files in a dusty room somewhere. The RHAs could share records electronically. We are moving towards paperless record-keeping in the hospital,” Deyalsingh explained.
He also said by June/August there will be a boost in the treatment of cancer patients when the Oncology Unit of SFGH is moved to the Augustus Long Hospital.
Deyalsingh said patients will also have a Palliative Care Unit at Augustus Long.
“We will start with eight beds. People at the end of life when everything else has failed, need comfort more than anything else. At Caura, we have a place like that. We hope to open a Palliative Care unit at Augustus Long as well,” he added.
Deyalsingh said he was looking forward to attending the opening of the newly restored San Fernando General Hospital, the establishment of a catheterization laboratory, and the recommissioning of the Augustus Long Hospital as San Fernando New Cancer Centre.