Basseterre, St. Kitts, September 02, 2016 (SKNIS): The tab of approximately EC$890,000 spent to date on the refurbishment of the Mary Charles Hospital in Molineux represents “good value for money” said Director of the Public Works Department (PWD), Cromwell Williams.
At the official reopening of the hospital on Wednesday, August 31, health officials said that they are pleased that the medical institution can once again fully provide quality care to residents of the community and surrounding areas after being extensively refurbished. The sections under repair were closed for the duration, while the staff operated from the dental area.
The repair work became necessary about a year ago when a portion of the hospital ceiling fell in. Shortly thereafter, a decision was made to initiate a comprehensive assessment of the facility and have the PWD and the Ministry of Health be the lead departments. Officials from the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine also assisted in the process.
The repair work to address the collapse of the ceiling began in January 2016. The repair project was started by PWD workmen, but after realizing the scope of labour intensive work, a decision was made to free up the staff to work on other Government projects. Contractor Keith James was brought onboard to complete the project. The facility benefitted from repairs to the roof, a fresh coat of paint, the installation of 110 volts electricity, upgrades to the plumbing, replacing and upgrading furniture and equipment, and fencing.
Mr. Williams said that there is some minor outstanding work to be done on the dental section and the hospital’s conference room. He stated that the PWD managed the project on behalf of the Ministry of Health and has “ensured that the Government received value for its money.”
“Allow me to once again reaffirm the commitment of the Public Works Department that we stand willing, ready and able to undertake our mandate to develop and manage the public infrastructure of this country in a sustainable, effective and economic manner,” Director Williams said.
The official reopening of the Mary Charles Hospital was done at a ceremony attended by Governor General, His Excellency S.W. Tapley Seaton, Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, Minister of Health, Honourable Eugene Hamilton and Minister of State for Health, Honourable Wendy Phipps. Other senior Government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, employees within the health sector, and community residents from Keys to Parsons, whom the hospital serves, also attended.
