Public health Nurse Elaine Linzi has offered five acres of her land to the government for a new hospital in Portland, a direct response to ministerial calls for suitable land in the parish.
Nurse Linzi made the offer at the opening of the Katus Blakey Dental Clinic in Manchioneal, where she also works.
Speaking at the event, Linzi addressed Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton, saying, There seems to be a challenge re identifying a suitable area for the hospital and I’m offering you my land. I have five acres.
She added, Think out of the box and not always think [about only] Port Antonio. We have wonderful places right here in the east — flat, accessible, cool. All you need is electricity, water, and staff. It is between Kensington and Rural Hill.
Minister Tufton had earlier stated that the government is scouting land for the planned hospital. He mentioned that talks are underway with the Port Authority of Jamaica, which has plans for a development, as well as with the North East Regional Health Authority, National Land Agency, and the Urban Development Corporation. He also suggested a discussion with the College of Agriculture, Science, and Education due to their extensive land holdings.
Tufton highlighted that the existing hospital in Port Antonio can no longer meet the parish’s needs. The demand on the facility is higher than the facility’s capacity to deliver. The location of the facility is a problem, because it has no space for expansion. The access to the facility is a challenge, especially when you have an emergency,
he said.
He also noted that expectant mothers now have to seek care at Annotto Bay Hospital in St Mary.
The health minister welcomed Linzi’s offer, asking for a round of applause and instructing her to send us a note and… all of the team will look at it.
Tufton confirmed the government has started the land identification process and promised to provide an update on the hospital’s progress within the next year, stating, Over the next year we’ll give an update as to where we are to give you a hospital commensurate with the development of the parish.
