ST JAMES, Jamaica — Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton, has welcomed the establishment of the Barbados Field Hospital on the grounds of the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital in Westmoreland.

He noted that the facility is expected to become fully operational in the coming week.

The Barbados Defence Force (BDF) Emergency Medical Team (EMT), under the leadership of Lieutenant Commander Anderson Goodridge, spearheaded the setup of the hospital in close collaboration with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

The unit is staffed by more than 60 medical professionals and is equipped with operating theatres, intensive care units, and staff accommodation.

It also features food services, independent power generation, water management systems, and waste disposal infrastructure.

“As a positive aspect of our otherwise tragic circumstances, the collaboration that has been established… is about helping the citizens of our communities who have been impacted. This is what this facility will do,” Dr Tufton said, during a visit on Friday (November 28).

Senior Medical Officer at the Savanna-La-Mar Hospital, Dr Suman Vemu, said the temporary unit will significantly strengthen service delivery.

He noted that it will provide essential support, as the hospital manages increased patient load during the ongoing upgrades to the main building.

“Facilities like this allow us to provide uninterrupted medical care and also give much-needed rest to our staff, many of whom have been struggling to balance work and personal responsibilities,” Dr Vemu noted, while expressing appreciation for the support.

Clinical Medical Director of the BDF team, Dr Ayana Crichlow, said they are pleased to support Jamaica during this recovery period.

“We’re happy to assist our brothers and sisters of Jamaica. We have already worked out rosters with Dr Vemu, the emergency consultants, and the surgical team to manage patient flow and in-patient flow safely,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dr Tufton reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital’s expansion and upgrading.

He advised that the architectural designs have been completed and costings submitted.

“We are in the final stages of advertising for the procurement of the new Accident and Emergency wing. We anticipate that this will go to market soon, certainly before the end of the year. We remain focused on delivering the upgrade the parish needs,” Tufton said.

–       JIS