KINGSTON, Jamaica. Friday, June 14, 2024: A temporary housing facility (Pines 2) for cancer patients at St. Joseph’s Hospital was officially reopened on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Cancer patients who travel from remote areas for radiotherapy treatment, which can last from two to six weeks, will be housed in the newly built facility.
The renovation project, was done at a cost of $15 million funded by the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA). The 20-bed facility was built with showers, toilets, and separate rooms for doctors and nurses. The projects and operations team have ensured that Pines 2 meets the highest standards of comfort, safety, and modern healthcare. Meals will also be provided for these patients.
In his main address at the reopening ceremony, Regional Director, SERHA, Mr. Errol Greene, said that the improvements made to Pines 2 is a component of the Centre of Excellence's redevelopment strategy. The hospital will be expanded to offer Oncology and Nephrology as the Centre of Excellence.
Mr. Greene commended the staff of the LINAC for providing quality care to its patients. “On behalf of the cancer patients, I express gratitude to the medical professionals for providing excellent service,” he noted.
Speaking at the function, Dr. Christopher Munroe, Chief Executive Officer, SJH, said that he is pleased with the transformation that is taking place at the institution. “What Pines 2 does is to allow our cancer patients who come from far distances for radiotherapy to have a place to stay until they have completed their treatment”, he explained.
He further stated that he hopes that SJH will be the benchmark in cancer care and serve as a model for similar facilities across the Region.
The SJH is one of the major 10 hospitals that falls under the management of SERHA.
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Mr. Errol Greene, Regional Director, SERHA (right) and Dr. Sandra Chambers (left), Regional Technical Director, SERHA, cut ribbon to officially reopen Pines 2 at St. Joseph’s Hospital (SJH) on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. The facility will provide housing accommodation for cancer patients who come from far-away areas that require radiotherapy treatment. Observing from left are: Ms. Angela Thomas, Director of Nursing Services, SJH; Dr. Natalie Whylie, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Kingston Public and Victoria Jubilee Hospitals; and Ms. Joan Walker-Nicholson, Director of Nursing Services, Kingston Public Hospital.
Photo 2: Showing one of the rooms inside the Pines 2 at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
