FALMOUTH, Trelawny — Pleased that a fully equipped field hospital donated by the Spanish Government is now up and running in Trelawny, and impressed with the work being done by local teams, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton has expressed satisfaction with how the country’s health sector has held up in the two weeks since Hurricane Melissa.

The field hospital is now filling a critical gap in the parish’s health-care delivery and taking some of the strain off Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James.

Speaking on Friday during a tour of the fully equipped temporary facility, now operating on the grounds of the storm-damaged Falmouth Public General Hospital, Tufton praised health-care workers for their commitment during yet another national crisis.

“I’m satisfied, certainly here in Trelawny, that a lot is being done — and in the other areas also,” the health minister said.

“The health system and the team, the personnel in particular, are extremely resilient. We have survived many storms and outbreaks — COVID, dengue — and they have held. The difference in this one is that a lot of them have been impacted personally, with damage to homes and possessions. So this response not only provides hospital services, it also gives the staff breathing room to recover,” he continued.

Tufton said the Spanish-funded field hospital has already proven essential, fully outfitted with an operating theatre, delivery suite, pharmacy, lab services, imaging, A&E, and ward space.

“All of this really represents a hospital,” he noted.

“The people of Trelawny can rest assured that while we rebuild the original facility, there is somewhere they can come and get service,” he added.

The health minister revealed that work has already begun to restore the permanent Falmouth Hospital, with contractors expected on-site next week. Restoring the damaged COVID ward could return up to 70 beds to service, he pointed out.

The minister added that the temporary facility will also ease pressure on Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James.

“We have directed the team to redirect some of that traffic here,” he said.

Spanish Ambassador José María Fernández López de Turiso, who toured the facility with Tufton, said the support reflects Spain’s solidarity with Jamaica.

“This is a token of solidarity of the people of Spain to Jamaica, especially in these troubled times,” he said, noting that 80 Spanish medical personnel are currently working alongside Jamaican teams.

“We are working in a full spirit of cooperation… This is what good partnership can achieve,” he added.

Tufton confirmed the facility is already treating patients, including emergency care and surgical cases.

“The hospital is up, running and functioning,” he said.

“The people of Trelawny can rest assured that the Government is working with Spain to ensure health services continue,” he added.

The field hospital will remain in operation until permanent repairs to Falmouth Hospital are completed.