Jamaica’s healthcare landscape witnessed a transformative development as the Ministry of Health and Wellness inaugurated an innovative Family Caregivers Pilot Programme at Bustamante Hospital for Children. This pioneering initiative grants parents of hospitalized children unprecedented 14-hour visiting access, spanning from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm daily.
The program emerged from compelling grassroots advocacy, notably a father’s petition that garnered over 15,000 signatures and secured attention from the Office of the Prime Minister. This collective effort highlighted the profound emotional distress experienced by parents forced to leave their children in understaffed wards after limited visiting hours.
Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton emphasized the psychological significance of the program, stating, ‘The trauma of isolation significantly impedes healing processes. This initiative addresses the critical need for continuous psychosocial support during children’s medical journeys.’
Dr. Marsha James, ENT consultant at the hospital, provided historical context, revealing that while 24-hour visitation existed pre-pandemic, it lacked structure. The new program establishes a regulated framework that balances caregiver involvement with clinical operations. Participants must formally register and adhere to strict ward protocols while providing non-clinical support including feeding and emotional comfort.
The six-month pilot program will undergo rigorous monitoring and evaluation before potential expansion to general hospitals nationwide. As the Caribbean’s sole English-speaking pediatric specialty facility, Bustamante Hospital serves children aged 0-12 from Jamaica and neighboring nations, making this initiative particularly significant for regional healthcare standards.
Early participants expressed profound appreciation, with mother Francine Perry noting, ‘This transformative opportunity allows me to maintain my child’s normal sleep schedule while providing crucial emotional stability during his treatment.’ Another parent, Tasheka Anderson, highlighted the dual benefits for both families and medical staff, particularly during evening hours when nursing resources are typically stretched.