The Ministry of Health and Social Services in Montserrat is steering the island towards a progressive era in healthcare infrastructure and services. Recent developments have brought substantial momentum towards the establishment of a new and sophisticated National Hospital, marked by informative sessions and construction milestones.
PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSIONS
To foster community engagement and ensure a shared understanding of the project, the Government of Montserrat, in collaboration with Article 25, conducted Public Information Sessions on December 11 and 12, 2024. These sessions served as a platform for locals to gain comprehensive insights into the detailed design and functional aspects of the upcoming National Hospital. Representatives from Article 25, local project managers, and health officials facilitated these sessions, encouraging residents to actively participate in discussions and familiarise themselves with the new hospital’s clinical and non-clinical features.
The sessions highlighted crucial details about the hospital, presenting an overview of the new 57,000 square feet healthcare facility, spread across three floors. This innovative facility will house 25 beds in a blend of wards and individual rooms, dedicated acute mental health rooms, two operating theatre suites, and a full diagnostic suite. It will also guarantee complete accessibility while featuring construction that’s resilient to hurricanes and earthquakes.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND DESIGN PRINCIPLES
The project has seen active involvement from multiple stakeholders, including the Government of Montserrat, the Ministry of Health and Social Services, staff of the Glendon Hospital, the Montserrat Association for Persons with Disability, among others. Design principles have centred around inclusivity, adaptability, and aligning with NHS guidance and PAHO’s Smart Hospitals principles. The hospital’s layout optimally utilises the site’s layout, grouping critical units and accommodating ancillary services across multiple floors.
KEY CHANGES AND CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
Significant improvements have been made to the original plan, reinforcing the hospital’s capabilities and resilience while expanding its functionality. These include:
– Implementation of a fully air-conditioned and mechanically ventilated system
– Preservation of the existing wards building
– Incorporation of 4 dedicated isolation rooms
– Expansion of the Accident and Emergency department, featuring a dedicated waiting area and an additional resuscitation room
– Extension of the operating theatre department
– Enhancement of piped medical gases (Nitrous Oxide, Oxygen, Medical Air & AGSS)
– Specification upgrades throughout the scheme
– Installation of a new water tank
– Introduction of a new Oxygen generator plant
– Replacement of existing electrical generators with purpose-built enclosures
CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
On December 8th, the Ministry also announced the commencement of refurbishments to the former Margetson Memorial Home building, a significant step in the development of the new National Hospital. Harewood Construction Ltd has initiated the refurbishment, slated for completion by the second quarter of 2024. This refurbished building will temporarily house laboratory and pharmacy services before transitioning to their permanent locations within the new hospital upon completion.
The completion of the concrete pour for the platform housing the island’s new CT Scanner was also announced this week. This project, undertaken by local contractor Steel Express Services, signifies the island’s leap towards a modernised healthcare diagnostic infrastructure. Funded through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, these developments demonstrate the commitment to elevate Montserrat’s healthcare landscape.
Stay tuned for further updates as Montserrat’s healthcare system undergoes transformational upgrades, ensuring resilience, efficiency, and cutting-edge healthcare provisions for its residents.
If you missed the information sessions you can watch one below:
You can also check out the architectural renderings of the new national hospital below:
