THREE of the island’s hospitals should, in another six months, have new elevators following the signing of contracts valued at $44.9 million for the replacement of the lifts.

The hospitals are Kingston Public and National Chest in Kingston, and Spanish Town in St Catherine, where malfunctioning elevators severely hamper surgeries and movement of patients.

The scope of works, which includes removing old components from existing elevator shafts and installing new mechanisms, is expected to significantly impact the quality of care the hospitals are able to provide, said Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton, who signed the contracts at Spanish Town Hospital on Wednesday. He said replacement of the elevators will also provide critical logistics support to the hospitals.

According to the minister, the improvements are in keeping with Government’s efforts to upgrade the island’s health sector. “Public health is fundamental to economic growth and development,” he said.

Dr Tufton said that regular maintenance will ensure that the elevators perform efficiently.

Regional director of the South East Regional Health Authority, Maureen Golding, meanwhile, encouraged patients to exercise tolerance during the installation period, while chief executive officer of the Kingston Public and Victoria Jubilee hospitals, Errol Greene, expressed thanks for the undertaking. “We are grateful for what is to come,” he added.

Senior medical officer at Spanish Town Hospital, Dr Ediel Brown, said the installation of the new elevators is “absolutely critical and is coming at the most appropriate time”.

The elevator replacements are being funded by grants from the National Health Fund.

The works will be undertaken by Jamaica Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Limited.