Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKNIS): During the February 21, 2024, edition of InFocus, the Director of Health Institutions at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Jenson Morton, outlined the strategic plans for the Joseph N. France (JNF) General Hospital’s future, emphasising the commitment to maintaining high-quality patient care during the transition period to a new facility.
Dr. Morton explained that while the construction of a new hospital is on the horizon, significant efforts are being made to enhance the existing infrastructure to meet immediate healthcare needs. As such, upgrades currently underway at JNF encompass a variety of projects: a roof repair initiative undertaken by the Taiwanese, a foyer renovation by Cable and partners, improvements to the morgue and back corridors led by Errol Williams through public works, a refurbishment of the kitchen carried out by private partners, and an ongoing assessment and organisation for the refurbishment of the psychiatric ward.
“Our existing hospital is still going to be our home for our patients for at least the next few years. A hospital is something that takes quite a bit of time to construct,” stated the director, while acknowledging the inadequate condition of the current hospital for future operations.
The director of health institutions said that collaboration with private partners is key to the ongoing improvements, allowing the hospital to upgrade its services without placing the full financial burden on the government.
Dr. Morton, also speaking on the project, emphasised the long-term vision for the hospital’s current site.
“As much as we are fixing the foyer for it to be pleasant it is not even just for it to be pleasant for three years, there is going to be a future use for that same site in which that same pleasant entrance will be needed,” he said.
He further stated that the JNF remains dedicated to providing exceptional healthcare services and is actively preparing for a future that promises enhanced facilities and improved patient care.