ISLINGTON, St Mary — Islington Community Health Centre has finally reopened its doors after a two-year rehabilitation process and those who are served by and work at the facility are thrilled.

As he looked with pride at the facility, one area resident who gave his name as Ras nodded his head in approval. He said he lives a few metres from the clinic and he is happy it is no longer at the Horace Clarke Community Centre in Friendship, which was its temporary location while work was being done. The centre is now back at its original location in Islington, inside Lyndon Housing Scheme.

“For an old man like me it is hard to find the fare to go by the community centre [in Friendship] or go to Annotto Bay. The wait for the taxi takes long and when you reach you are tired. Now I can come any time to check the pressure and sugar, and when the doctor comes I will see him as me don’t pay any more fare just walk,” Ras told the Jamaica Observer on October 17 during a ceremony in which Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton officially handed over the facility.

Work done included renovation of the roof, bathrooms, reception area, pharmacy, childcare facilities, and medical offices along with areas used by staff.

The price tag was $43 million.

Registered midwife Kaion Godfrey has been working at the health centre since 2014 and, like everyone else, said she is elated about the new and improved working environment.

Godfrey recalled what it was like when they were temporarily working from the Friendship location.

“Certain things needed fixing. The walls needed painting, the roof leaked; it was uncomfortable at times,” said Godfrey as she pointed out that the temporary facility was a challenge to navigate for staff and elderly patients.

“The spacing was less than what I was used to, so we had to adjust ourselves to that. The adjustment wasn’t easy, but in order for the clinic not to be removed from the community we had to make use of the space,” added Godfrey.

She pointed out what it has been like to be working from the refurbished centre.

“I feel elated, I feel more comfortable coming to work every day knowing that we have back the space and it is newly renovated. We have an air condition unit that will keep us cool when the time gets hot. The clients are more comfortable, especially when there’s a big crowd, and they will be comfortable when waiting,” the midwife noted happily.

Dwayne Johnson, one of the centre’s two porters, beamed with pride and joy as he looked around and recalled what the centre was like before the renovation.

“I am happy. From where we are coming from — bad roads, leaning walls, leaking roofs — to this beautiful building; I am really happy,” Johnson said.

Now retired, registered midwife Iris Vassell Murray will not be working from the centre, but she was just as pleased with the renovation of the facility at which she worked more than 42 years ago. It is also where she received medical care as a child.

According to her this is the second time the facility has been renovated.

“It’s a very good gesture. This state-of-the-art facility I am sure that people of the community appreciate it, and I hope that they will take care of it like their own home,” urged Vassell Murray.

Retired registered midwife Iris Vassell Murray hopes community members will take care of the refurbished Islington Community Health Centre which was reopened on October 17. (Photo: Ingrid Henry)

Islington Community Health Centre before the renovation.

Porter at Islington Community Health Centre Dwayne Johnson is happy with the new and improved look of the clinic, which was handed over by Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton on October 17. (Photo: Ingrid Henry)