KINGSTON, Jamaica — Health Minister Christopher Tufton today met with staff of the Cornwall Regional Hospital for an update on the efforts to correct the air quality issues at the hospital, a ministry release said. 

The meeting was said to be held for the minister to outline his three-prong approach to fixing ventilation issues which have caused disruption in the Montego Bay hospital’s operation.

Tufton reportedly told the staff that six engineering firms have been shortlisted and given tender documents requesting the cost to design a new system. 

The firm that is eventually selected will be given three months to complete the design, however, another three months will also be given to suppliers to source the material.

Tufton last month told a press conference: “In my estimation, you (are) looking at three to six months in some instances, given the current situation as we understand it, and as we have been advised by the experts. There is not going to be a temporary solution, a very short-term solution, to the problem the hospital now faces.” 

Tufton also disclosed that while the work is being done on the ventilation system, tender documents will also be prepared for other areas of work on the hospital’s main building.

The minister also reportedly assured staff that he, or a senior technocrat from the ministry, will be present on the ground to deal with staff concerns.