KINGSTON, Jamaica — The urology service at Spanish Town Hospital has completed nearly 1,500 surgical procedures since its establishment five years ago, as the public health facility continues to expand access to specialised urological care in St Catherine and neighbouring parishes.

The service, which was launched on May 3, 2021, has also provided outpatient treatment to thousands of patients and has grown into one of Jamaica’s leading public-sector urology units, according to a release issued on Friday.

Consultant urologist and head of the service, Dr Elon Thompson, said the anniversary reflected the efforts of a broad team of healthcare professionals.

“This milestone belongs to an entire team of committed healthcare professionals who have worked tirelessly to improve access to specialised urological care for the people of St Catherine and beyond,” Thompson said in the release.

Among the unit’s milestones was the hospital’s first radical cystectomy in January 2022, a complex procedure involving the removal of the urinary bladder for cancer treatment. In September 2023, the hospital also completed its first laparoscopic nephrectomy, expanding its minimally invasive surgical capabilities.

The service has carried out more than 150 prostate cancer-related surgeries, including radical prostatectomies aimed at curing the disease, the release said.

In July 2025, the unit acquired a laser machine that enabled minimally invasive kidney stone surgery, broadening treatment options while reducing recovery times and improving surgical outcomes for patients.

According to the hospital, the service has helped reduce the need for patients in St Catherine and surrounding areas to travel elsewhere for specialised treatment.

Looking ahead, the unit plans to expand access to advanced urological services, increase training opportunities for healthcare professionals and continue improving patient outcomes across the region.

“While we are proud of what has been accomplished, our work is far from complete. We remain committed to building on these achievements and ensuring that the people we serve continue to have access to high-quality, modern urological care close to home,” Thompson said.