Multimillion-dollar medical centre to open in Christiana
THE COMMUNITIES of Christian and Spalding in Manchester are set to benefit from a state-of-theart medical centre projected to cost approximately $100 million, inclusive of the property and equipment.
The project, which is the brainchild of Dr Karyna Davis-Irons and her husband Andrew, will be the first of its kind in the area. Ground was broken for the project, which is projected for completion in October, on February 16.
Davis-Irons has nurtured her vision for Chrispal Medical Centre for her community for many years and told the audience that it was a realisation of her dream.
More than 50,000 residents of Christiana, Spalding and neighbouring communities will now benefit from a more accessible facility providing ophthalmology, orthopaedics, psychiatry, obstetrics and gynaecology, cardiology and other services. Its location is Sedburgh, which is midway between both towns.
“This is coming from a place of hope and faith. It took about two and half years to purchase it and get all the required permits, as well as the blessing of the residents, to get to where we are today. We want to ensure that what we are offering from the start is up to a particular standard for the people,” she said.
Davis-Irons noted that their market research had revealed a need for the medical centre, with Christiana being the second most populated community in the parish. “Healthcare is not just an industry, it’s a calling, a responsibility and a basic human right; and establishing this centre embodies that it’s our collective belief in the transformative power of accessible, high-quality healthcare. Our goal is to create a one-stop destination where patients can receive the care they need in a convenient, affordable, safe and culturally competent environment,” she said.
Phase one of the multi-speciality health centre will have a pharmacy, radiology lab, an ambulance dispatch unit, and aims to address the diverse needs of the citizens. Phase two will see the establishment of a mini operating suite for minor surgical procedures which do not require overnight stay. Davis-Irons says she has gained a wealth of experience and knowledge in Grand Cayman, where she works, and plans to share it with her community. She also credits the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation for ensuring the provision of quality care for Jamaicans.
It is her plan to partner with them to have Chrispal Medical Centre become the first of its kind to be accredited. Also in attendance was Paul Lyn, representing the business community, who described the venture as a beacon of progress, symbolising a collective aspiration for a revitalised Christiana and Spalding. He noted that it was a testament to what could be achieved when vision, commitment and community spirit converge, “In a recent correspondence to The Gleaner I called for the comprehensive redevelopment of Christiana, emphasising the need for improved infrastructure, educational facilities, transportation systems, housing and support for our local economy. “Today, I am witnessing a response to that call that ignites hope for further development and prosperity in our town,” Lyn said.
Meanwhile, Shahine Williams, a resident of the community who is now pursuing a degree in medicine and is being mentored by Davis-Irons, said the cost of her education is very expensive, but her mentor stepped up to assist her. “Kindness is never wasted; it blesses the one who receives it and the one who gives it. Through the visionaries behind this medical centre, I have been blessed with the opportunity to live that which was once a mere dream for me. It will help to nurture the dreams of children and young adults to become doctors and give back to their communities,” Williams said.