ANNOTTO BAY, St Mary — After a multi-year pause, laparoscopic surgeries have officially restarted at Annotto Bay Hospital, bringing “first world” surgical treatment back to patients in St Mary and surrounding parishes.

Dr Andre White, surgeon in charge at the hospital, said laparoscopic procedures resumed in June 2026. The restart means St Mary residents can now get gallbladder, appendix and hernia surgeries done locally with smaller incisions, less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.

“This means patients can receive minimally invasive surgeries right here instead of travelling to Kingston and joining a long waiting list,” Dr White said.

He said the hospital aims to do one elective and one emergency case per week.

“Laparoscopic surgery is not new to Annotto Bay,” he emphasised. “This facility was once the leading centre for laparoscopic surgeries in Jamaica. Surgeons from across Jamaica used to come here for hands-on training. That rich history will continue.”

The programme uses a laparoscopic tower, which was donated over 20 years ago by the Jamaica Awareness Association of California (JAAC). After the programme stopped due to broken equipment, lack of trained staff and the COVID pandemic, JAAC this year assisted with the refurbishment of parts.

“There are staff members trained both locally and overseas with JAAC’s help. Training is ongoing,” Dr White noted, stating that all patients are properly assessed before they are deemed fit for surgery.

Dr Andre White, the surgeon in charge at Annotto Bay Hospital.