KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Health and Wellness, Christopher Tufton, is calling on health workers to embrace empathy, communication and community connection as a central part to their daily practice.

Speaking at the recent reopening of the Toll Gate Health Centre in Clarendon following refurbishing works under Operation Refresh, Tufton said the success of primary healthcare is not only tied to physical infrastructure, but to how individuals are treated when they seek care.

“Community health is about community engagement. Service starts with a smile. It starts at the gate. It starts with the common courtesies of good morning and good evening. How can I help you? Listening to people, showing empathy when they express their distress… all of that is a part of therapy,” he pointed out.

Tufton praised community health teams for their strong bonds with residents, saying that these relationships make local health centres more than just service points; they are trusted institutions.

“I believe that there are relationships that are established between the nurse, the midwife, the community health aide and the doctors more than anywhere else. It is established in the community through the health centre relationships,” he said.

He emphasised that compassion must remain central, even in difficult circumstances.

“People in distress sometimes are fatigued and may be a little problematic and troublesome because they are trying to solve their problem, and nothing is wrong with that. We have to be the bigger people to show the love, the care and what is necessary to neutralise that,” the minister said.

Tufton underscored the importance of continued training, affirming the ministry’s commitment to equipping healthcare workers to better manage emotional, behavioural and community challenges.

As the ministry continues to roll out upgrades to primary healthcare facilities under Operation Refresh, Tufton said that enhancing health outcomes must go hand in hand with improving how people feel when they walk through the clinic doors.

The work done at the Toll Gate Health Centre included the installation of new windows and bathroom facilities, along with full air-conditioning and a reinforced tiled floor.

Additional upgrades will include an improved water-catchment system and a standby generator.

–         JIS