SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Westmoreland — THE medical wards at the Savanna-la-Mar Public Hospital are being upgraded at a cost of $14 million, as the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) moves to expand the bed capacity at the state-run facility.

Work on the project which is being undertaken by the WRHA in collaboration with the National Health Fund began last week and is expected to be completed by December.

"The main objective for the expansion of the medical wards is to increase the bed capacity and provide enhancements that will provide for a more comfortable environment for patients and staff at the hospital," said Jodianna Clarke, the WRHA's public relations manager.

She told the Observer West that the planned expansion will increase the bed capacity at the medical wards from 48 to 72.

Meanwhile, Clarke said that the refurbishing exercise will not result in any major disruption of service at the hospital, noting that plans have been put in place to ensure that the delivery of health care will not be compromised.

She, however, urged the public to approach all work areas with caution and to observe the safety signs which are strategically placed at the hospital.