KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Health Dr Christopher Tufton, and Opposition spokesman on health Horace Dalley have agreed to convene monthly to provide updates on fixing the issues affecting the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) in St James.

The two met yesterday, to discuss plans for the hospital’s repair, chief among them the ventilation system.

According to a release from the ministry, plans that have and are to be implemented include: relocation of services to reduce the numbers of persons within the building whilst maintaining service, communication with staff and the public, and replacement of the ventilation system, (which could take up to a year to be completed), among other areas that require work.

In addition to monthly meetings to discuss updates on the plans being implemented, both parties also agreed on continued discussion on staff welfare and critical services being relocated.

This is in a bid to strengthen communication and collaborative effort, the ministry said.

The release also added that Tufton and Dalley agreed that the situation at CRH is of national importance that requires collaboration and transcends political affiliation.

Meanwhile, the ministry has commended all staff for the work being carried out under these difficult circumstances and thanks them for their commitment to the delivery of healthcare.