FIRST HOSPITAL TO GET OWN PLANT TO MAKE OXYGEN
ST ANN’S BAY, St Ann: Aug 23, 2024
St Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital (SABHR) has received the first oxygen-generating plant at any medical facility in Jamaica.
The plant will take the oxygen from the air and turn it into medical oxygen critical for people with breathing and other issues and newborn care.
(Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton )
It has the capacity of ensuring the provision of up to 530 Litres of medical oxygen per minute at peak flow.
Experts at the hospital told the North Coast Times that although the plant will make the hospital self-sufficient in medical oxygen it will not mean an end to the contract and supply by the existing private provider.
(Acting Regional Director of NERHA Kadian Birch giving the welcome)
Jamaica’s supply of oxygen for hospitals became the focus of concern and attention during COVID-19 when many patients required medical oxygen to survive. At one time during COVID-19, supplies ran low and the sole provider had difficulties supplying all the hospitals.
Dr Christopher Tufton Health Minister who handed over the plant at SABRH recalled the time during COVID-19 as one of the scariest occasions of his management of the health service, when supplies went very low and there had to be emergency shipment and dispatch to hospitals.
(Hospital staff at the handover)
Dr Tufton said the project was “simply lifesaving and life-changing.”
It cost J$125 million and was made possible with the assistance of the Canadian Government and UNICEF. Representing the Canadian High Commission was Shehryar Sarwar, and Olga Isaza was the UNICEF representative.
Master of Ceremonies was Dennis Morgan, CEO at SABRH, and giving the vote of thanks was Dr Grace Robinson, consultant anaesthesiologist. Prayer was said by Carmen Johnson, director of nursing services.
Mayor of St Ann’s Bay Michael Belnavis brought greetings and Kadian Birch acting Regional Director NERHA gave the welcome..
Several senior staff members at the facility were in attendance at the handover, after which there was a tour of the plant.
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