Excelling since 1917
CONGRATULATIONS TO the Linstead Hospital for its consistent and dedicated commitment in providing reliable, affordable and accessible healthcare for residents across St Catherine, St Mary, St Ann, Clarendon, and St Andrew since reopening its doors in 1917. It is commendable that the institution, which restarted as a treatment centre for tuberculosis some 100 years ago, has developed into a Type C institution providing quality services in paediatrics, obstetrics, minor surgeries.
Serving patients from over 10 associated health centres in Linstead and neighbouring communties is indicative of the hospital’s important role in the lives of the many citizens who live in the surrounding areas.
Consequently, the recent upgrading of the Linstead Public Hospital Accident and Emergency Department, which was undertaken through funding from the National Health Fund, will enable the medical staff to treat even more people. This is important as it will reduce the burden on citizens in that region from having to travel to other medical facilities in Spanish Town or Kingston for healthcare.
While we acknowledge the significant strides that the Linstead Hospital has made over the years, we also recognise that much more needs to be done to alleviate the challenges that persist in the health sector overall. Our heartfelt thanks to your doctors, nurses and other staff members who encounter and work with resolve through these challenges on a daily basis in their effort to delivery quality healthcare to citizens.
The long-term solution to Jamaica’s healthcare challenges requires a holistic approach. We need sustainable policy and practical solutions to address financing, infrastructure and human resource challenges. A viable public healthcare system requires a combination of effective financing and non-financing measures. Besides more public expenditure on healthcare, we need focus on infrastructure, technological capability and capacity building as well as training and proper remuneration for our doctors and nurses. We are
are committed to learning from the many past efforts to improve the healthcare system so that a more effective design can be pursued to ensure consistent and affordable delivery of quality healthcare to all Jamaicans, not just a few.
As the Linstead Hospital celebrates its centennial of continuous service, let me once again congratulate the management and staff, as well as the South East Regional Health Authority, for their unwavering commitment to the care of all Jamaicans. As you approach the next century, I encourage you to build on this foundation of devotion as we aim to truly make Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families and to do business.
DR PETER D. PHILLIPS Leader of the Opposition