Consequent to its acquisition of Medical Associates in February this year, Caribbean Health Systems Limited (CHS) says it has embarked on a transformation of the Corporate Area hospital that will go beyond aesthetic renovations.

CHS, a joint venture of Novamed Inc, First Rock Real Estate Investments, and Health Ventures Limited, is a registered international business company in St Lucia.

According to CHS, it is committed to transforming the 64-year-old Medical Associates Hospital into “the Caribbean’s largest private health-care facility that prides itself on the use of technology and first-class service”.

To this end, the remodelling exercise now in train is the first phase of a broader plan to upgrade Medical Associates into a First World facility, driven by an overarching strategy to deliver unparalleled patient care.

“Our vision is a comprehensive upgrade for all departments, aligning with the ethos of our new parent company,” a company release quotes Dr Samantha Johnson, business development and operations lead at Medical Associates.

“It’s a step by step process, and we’ve initiated the transformation where it impacts most — the most utilised areas. This is just one aspect of our extensive rebranding, aiming to establish Medical Associates as the leading name in patient-focused health care,” she said.

Renovations at the hospital include installing new signage, repainting of walls, refreshing the waiting area (foyer), and giving a facelift to the operating theatre.

“We have not just brightened the space but also reinvigorated the patient care ethos. Generally, people sometimes avoid or dislike going to hospitals due to preconceived negative thoughts and even experiences. We’re actively working to change that perception and experience for the people of Jamaica,” Dr Johnson stated.

Along with the renovation, Medical Associates will benefit from state-of the-art technology and equipment geared toward making the patient care experience more affordable and comfortable, the company said.

Following this first phase of transformation, CHS will commence work on the Accident and Emergency Department.

“Our ongoing transformation is not limited to physical renovations, but rather it’s a revitalisation of the body, soul, and mind of our hospital,” the release quotes the hospital’s managing director and Novamed Inc co-founder Dr David Walcott.

“We’re instilling a newfound vigour into the very fabric of our institution, inspiring our staff to reach new heights of compassion and professionalism, while ensuring our patients feel safe, cared for, and at ease,” added Dr Walcott.

“We are rejuvenating our infrastructure, renewing our commitment to patient care, and reinvigorating our collective mindset. We are not just renovating a building, but we’re also reshaping the heart and spirit of Medical Associates,” he said.