FALMOUTH, Trelawny – MINISTER of Health Rudyard Spencer last week announced plans for the expansion of the Falmouth Public Health Clinic.

The announcement during a recent function came shortly after requests from North Trelawny Member of Parliament Dr Patrick Harris and head of the Western Regional Health Board, Noel Donaldson.

The health minister mandated Leslie James, director of projects in the Ministry of Health to examine the facility ahead of work that is set to commence shortly.

“Yes (Harris) Patrick I have instructed Mr James after this function to journey with you to your clinic that is bursting at the seams and to immediately start and make arrangement for the expansion of your clinic,” Spencer remarked.

The health minister was speaking at the re-opening of the newly refurbished maternity ward of the Falmouth Public Hospital, a project undertaken by the community organisation, Friends of Falmouth, at a cost of $1million.

Spencer also challenged the Harris to seek partnerships with the Government for the upgrade of the hospital.

“So as soon as friends are ready, your Rotary Club is ready, and (any other) organisation … we are only a stone’s throw away to start those discussions,” Spencer said.

He congratulated the Friends of Falmouth for refurbishing the facility.

“I applaud the vision of the “Friends of Falmouth Hospital”, a vision which is in keeping with the strategic position of this government, to help to secure the health of our women and children,” Spencer said.

The upgrade of the ward included the tiling of floors and walls, repairs to bathrooms and pantry, repairs to furniture, painting, electrical and plumbing works and establishment of two private rooms.

The unit is expected to serve a population of about 75,000 in and around Falmouth.