MINISTER of Health Rudyard Spencer says that an assessment is to be made to determine whether to increase bed capacity at the Kingston Public Hospital.

Speaking after a tour of the KPH and Victoria Jubilee Hospital yesterday, Spencer said that officials of the ministry and the South East Regional Health Authority are examining the potential to increase the Edwina Ward from 40 to 80 beds.

“We looked at Edwina Ward and are going to consult with a team to see if we can transform it into an 80-bed ward. The assessment is important to see if this can be done. We are also looking to see if we can get an area to accommodate doctors and nurses,” he said.

He said concerns have been repeatedly raised about the bed capacity at the institution and the Ministry and SERHA have been looking at ways to deal with the problem.

The Edwina Ward currently accommodates both males and females in separate sections.