Ministers take first look at new hospital sites
After year of back and forth over whether the new People’s Democratic Movement dumped all plans by former Reuben Meade (MCAP) government for a new hospital, and repeated explanations, the government has progressed to actually moving to find suitable sites for the construction of the hospital.
A release today from the Premiers office informs: “Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Donaldson Romeo, joined a site visit organized by the Ministry of Health, to look at a new site to house the hospital.
As was indicated by DFID in a previous press release, DFID is partnering with the Government of Montserrat to ensure that a collaborated sustainable plan is in place for Montserrat. This plan includes a new hospital and the Government of Montserrat along with its partners, continue to work together to achieve this mission.
Currently, six (6) sites are being looked at for the new hospital project. Two (2) of the sites are located in the Drummonds area, one (1) in the Lookout area, another in the Brades area and the other two (2) being explored are in the Little Bay area, the area designated for the new commercial town.
In the meantime, EC$900,000, will be used to repair the exisitong hospital roof, replace and repair windows, paint and enhance the general appearance of the hospital and purchase some key equipment, machines and beds.
Honourable Delmaude Ryan, Minister of Health, Ministers Lewis and Hogan were also present at the site visit, along with Rawl Patterson, Chief Engineer for Public Works, Edward Estwick, Planning Officer, Terron Gilchrist, Director of Hospital Services Rocintha Christopher and Tracy Lewis, Environmentalist and Special Advisor to the Ministry of Agriculture.”
The release is distributed by Public Relations Officer Shauna Harley concludes: “Further consultations will take place in the upcoming weeks as plans continue to ensure construction of the new hospital takes place within the timeframe set out by DFID and the Government of Montserrat.”
