KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Government has signed a J$76.4 million contract with Chin’s Construction Limited to begin renovation of the Linstead Hospital Accident and Emergency department.

Minister of Health, Dr Fenton Ferguson said the contract signing, which took place at Jamaica House, was a “further signal of our commitment to develop the health infrastructure across the island.”

“We have spent in excess of $1.5 billion on improving secondary care infrastructure and equipment since 2012. This year we will undertake work at twelve secondary care facilities costing some $460 million. The development of the Linstead Hospital is a part of this commitment,” he said.

According to the Health Ministry, the work will include the addition of a waiting area, parking area, nebulisation station, examination bays and triage area for the accident and emergency department. The ambulance bay will also be realigned. In addition there will be ceiling, wall and floor finishes; installation of doors and windows, plumbing and air conditioning, electrical installation; roofing; installation of public address system to improve communication; fittings; landscaping; fencing and drainage installation.

“This is a part of a bigger project valued at $100 million to renovate and expand as well as equip and install a heating ventilation and air conditioning system in the A&E department. I am told that the pharmacy is also slated for renovation,” Dr Ferguson said.

In May a contract valued at $21.6 million was signed to refurbish the Administrative Building of the Linstead Hospital. The work is 40 per cent complete. In addition, an x ray unit was put in place at a cost of $24 million.