KINGSTON, Jamaica – Patients at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) now have greater access to specialist care following a major expansion of clinical services across the hospital.

In a recent statement, UHWI officials said the expansion includes new cardiac and stroke services, enhanced diagnostic capabilities, expanded critical care, advanced surgical services and more than 30 clinical technology upgrades, alongside a substantial expansion of the hospital’s healthcare workforce.

Together, the hospital says these improvements are strengthening UHWI’s ability to provide more timely diagnoses, advanced treatment and specialised care for patients across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

Among the most significant developments is the expansion of cardiac services through advanced cardiac imaging, a dedicated cardiac and stroke catheterisation laboratory and interventional suite, and the introduction of a minimally invasive cardiac valve programme.

The hospital has also launched a stroke thrombectomy programme, significantly enhancing its capacity to treat patients experiencing acute strokes which it says reinforcing UHWI’s role as a national referral centre for specialised care.

New diagnostic and critical care technologies are also enhancing UHWI’s ability to deliver faster diagnoses and more specialised treatment. Improvements to the Special Care Nursery and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) were also made.

Meeting the growing demand for specialised care has also required significant investment in UHWI’s healthcare workforce, officials indicated.

Approved medical posts have increased from 407 in March 2023 to 691, while the nursing complement has grown from 468 in the 2021/2022 period to 832, with staffing levels now approaching 900.

Dr Carl Bruce, Senior Director, Clinical Services, said the hospital’s transformation is focused on ensuring patients benefit from better access to advanced healthcare while providing clinical teams with the resources they need to deliver the highest standard of care.

“This transformation is about much more than acquiring new equipment. It is about strengthening our ability to provide safer, more advanced and more timely care for every patient who comes through our doors.

Bruce continued: “By investing in modern technology, expanding specialist services and strengthening our clinical workforce, we are giving our clinical teams the tools and technology they need to deliver the highest standard of care while continuing to train the next generation of healthcare professionals for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.”

He added that every investment is measured by whether it improves patient care.

“Whether it is expanding specialist services, introducing new treatment programmes or strengthening our workforce, each step brings us closer to delivering the level of healthcare our patients deserve while ensuring UHWI remains at the forefront of clinical excellence, medical education and research,” he said.

The expansion forms part of UHWI’s broader transformation programme, which also includes the construction of a new six-storey medical tower currently underway, further increasing the hospital’s capacity to meet Jamaica’s growing healthcare needs.