Home stretch for Chapelton Community Hospital renovation
The second phase of the Push-Start Foundation-supported project is set to begin in early January 2022, at the Clarendon-based Chapelton Community Hospital, following a $112 million contract signing.
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The contract for the continuing upgrading and expansion project was signed on Tuesday, December 21, by the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA), and Cenitech Engineering Company, and Member of Parliament for North Central Clarendon Robert Morgan said residents of several communities are eager for the hospital’s reopening.
Morgan that the facility is an “essential aspect of the community,” and the upgrading will “add significant benefits to the community”. According to him, with the excitement of getting back their hospital, he doesn’t expect any challenge with the project, but he will play a role in ensuring that it runs smoothly.
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Regional Director for the health region, Michael Bent stated that by the middle of next year the hospital is expected to be recommissioned into service, noting that the residents have been waiting for the work to be completed. “It will be a magnificent building when it is completed,” he declared.
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Phase one of the upgrading work was financed by businesswoman Beverly Nichols, of Blackwoods district in Clarendon, who now resides in the United States; she donated US$1 million for the project through her Push-Start Foundation. Phase one has been completed.
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Work included removal of wooden structures, and a second ward, which will double bed capacity from 15 to 30; expansion of the waiting area; construction of a new operating theatre and laboratory; improvement to the water storage facility, among other works. Mr. Bent said the regional health authority is “extremely grateful,” because they have developed a “good partnership” with Miss Nichols.
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Communities served by the hospital include Chapelton, Rock River, Mullett Hall, Summerfield, Crawl River, Pennants, Frankfield, and Crooked River. The phase two project is funded by the National Health Fund and the CHASE Fund.
SALUTE
Chapleton’s new-look community hospital is taking shape; you can help
Construction work on a new wing at the Chapelton Community Hospital in Clarendon started in 2019 following the donation of US$1 million by Beverly Nichols, a Jamaican who is a New York-based business owner.
The hospital, which falls under the management of the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA), was built in 1903; and was in an advanced state of disrepair, with rotting floor boards termite infested ceiling and door jambs; leaks, rusted pipes, worn electrical wiring and peeling paint work. Staff offices and accommodation were also woefully inadequate.
The donation, which converted to just over J$120 million, was used to construct Phase One of the project comprising an ambulance bay, replacement of the entire roof, a new 20-bed ward, entrance ramp, a water tank enclosure, parking spaces and a link way. There is also space for a pharmacy and records room.
Founder, The Push-Start Foundation
Located in Clarendon, Jamaica
Located in Clarendon, Jamaica
Founder, The Push-Start Foundation
Click to see images larger
The project became a reality following a series of meeting with stakeholders, including then Member of Parliament for North Central Clarendon Pearnel Charles, Snr; Chairman of the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) Wayne Chen; Regional Director Michael Bent; and Parish Manager Joseph Grant.
Phase Two of the project is about to get going, likely before the end of 2021, with support from the Government of Jamaica which is expected to match Nichols’ donation. This phase will see work being done on the rest of the old, crumbling structure to transform the entire complex into a state-of-the-art modern healthcare facility for the people of Clarendon.
The donor funds for phase one were administered through the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), which comprise a group of former US Ambassadors to Jamaica who have joined forces to give back to the country. The AFJ and Ms. Nichols are working to secure furnishings and equipment for the 40-bed hospital. The facility will be in need of beds, bedside tables, chairs, IV Poles, stretchers, privacy screens, over-bed tables and all that is necessary for its smooth operation.
The Push-Start Foundation will be seeking support from individuals and organizations in Jamaica and the diaspora to support this special project, a major achievement for the people and parish of Clarendon as Jamaica gets ready to celebrate its 60th anniversary of political independence in 2022.
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‘These services will enhance the lives of residents,’ says regional health boss
Michael Bent
Regional Director of the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) Michael Bent said the expansion of the Chapelton Community Hospital is a welcome development for healthcare.
He noted that the facility, with its upgraded infrastructure and services, would improve the lives of residents from Chapleton and the adjoining communities, who previously had to travel to other facilities such as the May Pen Hospital to access basic diagnostic and specialist services.
“These services will now enhance the lives of residents, ease their travel burden and also provide job opportunities in the community,” said Bent. “It will also reduce the waiting time for specialized care for patients with more complicated and advanced ailments and improve the productivity of these individuals.”
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He added that the SRHA is extremely delighted that the renovation of this facility was achieved through the partnership of and generous donation by Clarendon-born, Ms. Beverly Nichols, benefactor, businesswoman and head of the charity organization, The Push-Start Foundation.
“She is one of the SRHA’s outstanding Ambassadors of goodwill, compassion and care,” said Bent. He added: “We are very grateful to her and we remain committed to a longstanding, fruitful partnership and her continued involvement in the public health sector. As we continue to improve the quality of services offered to the residents in southern Jamaica, Beverly Nichols, will always be one of our most cherished brand Ambassadors.”
Chapelton Community Hospital will shine again, says MP Robert Nesta Morgan
The Chapelton Community Hospital, owing to its central location, is a facility that people from several districts within North Central Clarendon rely on to access health services.
In addition to Chapelton, residents of communities such as Prospect, Pennants, Trout Hall Pass, Main Ridge, Summerfield, Rose Hill, Mount Providence, Woodhall, Four Paths, Turners, Suttons, Coxswain, Mullet Hall, Krawl River and Danks Savoy depend on the hospital for healthcare services.
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Following the closure of the hospital in 2019, to facilitate the renovation and upgrade of the facility, including the construction of a new ward, the Summerfield Community Centre became the interim site for health services — albeit, only for those services that could be administered there. For emergency services and in-patient care, the Lionel Town and May Pen hospitals became the alternative.
Robert Nesta Morgan
Currently, approximately 2,500 patients visit the Summerfield Community Centre monthly to access medical care. This is in comparison to approximately 3,000 patients who visited the Chapelton Community Hospital monthly, while it was still in operation, to seek medical attention.
With Phase One of the project complete, Phase Two is expected to commence in the near future. Upon completion, Chapelton Community Hospital is anticipated to bring great relief to the residents of North Central Clarendon. With the wide array of health services to be offered across different specialties, it is anticipated that there will be a significant increase in the number of patients who visit the facility.
For emergency services and in-patient care, especially, residents of Chapelton and its adjoining communities will welcome the hospital’s reopening. With an overburdened healthcare system, hospitals often lack adequate resources to properly care for patients. The diversion of users to other hospitals most certainly adds to the overcapacity and impacts the quality of care received. The newly renovated and upgraded Chapelton Community Hospital, however, will return to serving Chapelton and surrounding communities with a greater capacity for quality healthcare. Residents will no longer need to travel a greater distance to seek medical attention, nor will they need to compete with overflowing hospitals.
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Robert Nesta Morgan is Member of Parliament for North Central Clarendon and the Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Youth and Information.
Dr. Christopher Tufton
Minister of Health and Wellness
Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton lauded the donation as a great example of partnership at work. “We are all grateful for this commitment from Beverly Nichols, these much needed funds have been put to good use. Both health and education are critical to the development of our country; it is a great example of partnership at work,” said the minister.
Wayne Chen
Chairman of the Southern Regional Health Authority
Businessman Wayne Chen, who is chairman of the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA), believes the donation by Ms. Beverly Nichols is significant for several reasons, especially because her remarkable story chronicles the life of a Jamaican woman who has succeeded beyond our wildest imagination.
“She is a role model for every Jamaican girl who dreams big knowing that with hard work, study and determination, she can succeed. Nichols is also an example for other Jamaicans who left our shores physically but in their hearts are still here and give back unselfishly, thereby making life better for those left behind,” said Chen.
The Hon. Williams "Billy" Shagoury
Custos of Clarendon
Custos of Clarendon, The Hon. William “Billy” Shagoury, describes Ms. Beverly Nichols as a “fantastic human being” and a “true Jamaican”.
He adds, “She remembers her roots when not many might do so; what she has done will make the lives of residents of Chapelton and the parish of Clarendon a better place to live.”