SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Westmoreland – Jamaican Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has publicly appealed for understanding from both staff and patients at the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital, a critical healthcare facility in the island’s western region. The institution continues to operate under extraordinary pressure as it undergoes a massive reconstruction project following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa last October.
During an inspection tour on Friday, Minister Tufton acknowledged the severe operational challenges facing the hospital, including critical overcrowding, an overwhelming number of non-medical social cases, and significant staffing shortages. The facility, originally designed for 218 patients, is currently accommodating 298 individuals between its main building and a temporary field hospital.
‘We are experiencing severe overcrowding and patient overflow due to exceptionally high demand while construction is actively underway,’ Tufton stated. ‘Our medical teams are working tirelessly under difficult circumstances, and we ask for patience as we work toward restoring full operational capacity.’
Reconstruction efforts are progressing on multiple fronts. The hurricane-damaged Accident and Emergency department, which suffered extensive roof damage and water intrusion, is undergoing urgent repairs with expectations for full operational restoration within one week. Meanwhile, a provisional A&E unit continues to serve patients at the hospital’s entrance.
The Barbadian government-donated field hospital, currently operating at maximum capacity, has provided essential temporary relief but is scheduled for removal by month’s end. Concurrently, construction has commenced on the former COVID-19 ward and outpatient clinic, which was completely destroyed during the hurricane. Contractors are targeting March for completion of the new outpatient facility, which will initially feature a single floor with plans for additional ward space above.
Minister Tufton identified several critical challenges beyond physical infrastructure. Twenty-nine social cases occupy over 10% of available beds, creating what the minister described as a ‘major systemic challenge’ for healthcare facilities throughout the parish. Additionally, the hospital faces a severe shortage of 36 physicians across various specializations, compounded by unmet nursing requirements despite ongoing recruitment initiatives.
The minister emphasized that these extraordinary circumstances stem directly from Hurricane Melissa, an unprecedented Category 5 storm for the region. While acknowledging significant challenges, Tufton rejected characterizations of the situation as a crisis, stating, ‘We have challenges, and we have to work to overcome those challenges.’
Future development plans include a completely new Accident and Emergency facility, with finalized cost estimates and anticipated construction beginning later this year or early in the next fiscal year.