MANCHIONEAL, Portland — The Government is ready to work with private investors to put in place health services that match Portland’s unique needs, according to Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton. He stressed the need for a venture that can complement the low-density, highnet- worth tourism and residential units that are being built-out within the parish.

“I’m recommending that we look at an urgent-care facility in this parish. The Government is prepared to sit with that investor, once they have the resources and the vision, to say how we can build out that facility,” the minister said last Thursday during an interactive session with residents of Manchioneal where he was officially re-opening Katus Blakey Dental Clinic.

He explained that such a facility would mean longer opening hours, access to doctors, nurses, critical diagnostic services, renal care for people who need dialysis, and an operating theatre where emergency surgery would be available.

“We believe that the combination of public and private is critical to the most effective health care, and that the future of this parish will find people who can afford and are willing to pay — and indeed would be attracted to come if those types of facilities are available,” Tufton said.

The Katus Blakey Dental Clinic got a $13.7-million upgrade to repair damage done by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025. It was one of two medical facilities refurbished in Portland Eastern. The other, Fellowship Community Health Centre, is slated to be officially reopened at a later date.

“The improvements of both facilities, combined, equates to about $31 million and that is provided under Operation Refresh, which is funded by the National Health Fund,” the health minister explained.

Work on the health centre included roof repairs and waterproofing, electrical upgrades, improved lighting and ventilation, as well as renovations to the reception area, kitchen, and restrooms. Windows and doors were also replaced and improvements made to the facility’s fencing and external areas. The upgrades addressed longstanding infrastructure concerns, including roof leaks, water damage and inadequate separation of clinical and waiting areas.

The Fellowship health centre provides a range of primary healthcare services, including maternal and child health, family planning, nutrition and immunisation. It serves 30 to 35 patients daily, with attendance increasing during school medical exercises. The upgrades cost $17.2 million.

At the dental clinic, there were improvements to the electrical system, roof and ceilings, reception area, and restroom. The project included enhanced ventilation, new windows, perimeter fencing, a main gate, drainage improvements and the installation of a ramp and railings to support access for persons with disabilities. The dental clinic serves residents in eastern Portland and neighbouring communities in St Thomas, with an estimated catchment population of between 8,000 and 10,000 people.

The clinic is manned by six employees and sees approximately 60 patients per week.

“We’re coming from ground zero and we’re looking like a brand new second hand now. We are doing the right thing because we want to restore credibility to our primary health care facilities. We don’t want you to pass it to go down to the hospital if you can get the service here,” Tufton said.

“Looks and comfort are as important for the people who serve within these facilities. It’s good for staff morale, it makes the staff comfortable and more productive, but also it makes you want to come and get and benefit from the service. That’s why we spend the money,” the minister added.

He urged Manchioneal residents to take care of the facility and for any abuse to be called out.

“This is your facility in your community; if you see anybody abusing the property, tearing down the window, the fence, throwing garbage on the premises, you need to help to correct them — or at least report them to the authority — because this facility you must take care of and look after,” the minister urged.

Member of Parliament for Portland Eastern Isat Buchanan welcomed the repairs done to the two facilities.

“Thankfully the Fellowship Health Centre and the dental clinic got a complete overhaul as a part of the improvement of health care and health services in Portland Eastern. This is certainly a momentous occasion and an inspiration. It’s a role model for what we want to see for the other health centres and clinics across the parish to look like. I thank all the stakeholders for the revamping of the clinic and welcome this opening of a refurbished facility,” he said.

During discussions with residents, Minister Tufton also noted that efforts are being made to identify sites on which to house two more health centres in Portland.

“The parish team is working with the regional [team] to ensure that lands are located. In one case [land has been] identified and in the other, we’re working on it to give you two new health centres — along with all the other 11 that you have — with bigger and more comfortable facilities, more doctor and lab services,” said the minister.

“Work on a child and adolescent clinic, a physical location, has already started. Because of mental health in the parish, especially for our youngsters, there is need for that kind of specialised attention,” Tufton added.