THE celebration of 60 years of operation at the Bustamante Hospital for Children (BHC) was marked with commendations from health officials about the facility’s outstanding services and promises of improvement for the nation’s children.

Speaking at the launch of the anniversary celebrations on Thursday held under the theme, ‘Celebrating 60 years of World-Class Paediatric Care’, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton expressed pride in BHC development.

“Institutions like BHC — public health care in Jamaica have done far more good than sometimes they are recognised for. This institution has provided six decades plus of care. Having survived for 60 years with the distinguished reputation that I believe the institution deserve, people being the critical resource, what’s the next step? How do we advance the process and make it better?” he said.

“I want to say with confidence that we are planning for the next 60 years, we are ready for the next 60 years because there is a recognition in this room and beyond, that the legacy of the last 60 years, deserves support,” he added.

Board chairman for the South East Regional Health Authority Wentworth Charles shared similar sentiments.

“I am happy that in its 60th year of the hospital existence, good things are coming to the hospital to improve its infrastructure and services. As part of its recent development, the hospital has seen a new Drug Serv Pharmacy and has expanded some of its wards to meet the growing demand of the population,” said Charles.

Senior medical officer for the Bustamante Hospital for Children Dr Michelle-Ann Richards Dawson added, “I am excited because as a nation we celebrated 60 years last year, so Bustamante celebrating 60 this year is a true testimony [of] the fortitude of our hospital, as we continue to serve.”

For its anniversary, the facility will be hosting a series of events including a church service, Child Month celebrations, Labour Day project and newspaper supplement throughout the year.

Officially opened in November 1963, the facility operates as the only specialist paediatric hospital in the English-speaking Caribbean.

It currently accommodates approximately 50,000 patients annually with about 279 beds.