The Government says it is treating the crisis at Cornwall Regional Hospital as a matter of the highest urgency and will make available whatever funds are required to fix the problem.

The problem, which has been plaguing the hospital for more than 10 years, has resulted in a planned 90 per cent reduction in operations and the relocation of 50 per cent of services so far.

The situation also resulted in a strike by some nurses who reported sick last Thursday.

However, Finance Minister Audley Shaw told the Jamaica Observer last Friday that his ministry and the Health Ministry are working to find a quick solution, and that money is not the problem.

“We have the resources. We have a National Health Fund, one of our public bodies that has funds in it, and this case is a clear danger to the health of our nurses, doctors, administrative and ancillary workers, and a threat to the health of those who are already not well,” Shaw said.

“Whatever funds that will be required will be made available. I want to make it absolutely clear. Fixing the problem at Cornwall Regional Hospital has passed the issue of money, it’s a question now of the timeline for having it done efficiently and having the appropriate equipment in place,” Minister Shaw said.

Operations normally conducted on the three lower floors of the 10-floor hospital have been relocated as a result of noxious fumes emanating from the archaic ventilation system.

A technical team has been working assiduously to correct the problem.

In the meantime, Health Minster Dr Christopher Tufton said operations at the main building will be scaled down to only emergency services and other services such as radiology, which cannot be readily relocated.

“This strategy aims to safeguard the health of staff and patients, and ensure continuity of care to residents in the area,” Minister Tufton said.

The services have been relocated to alternative facilities and premises nearby, as well as to temporary facilities on the hospital compound, and to other hospitals.