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BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, SEPTEMBER 1^ST, 2016 (PRESS SEC) – Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris said yesterday’s official reopening of the extensively refurbished Mary Charles Hospital in Molineux is symbolic of the team effort that every one of his Cabinet Colleagues puts forth in serving all of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.

“We are a genuine team, distinct individuals with distinct capabilities, but united by an agenda and a program to serve the people of St. Kitts and Nevis,” Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris said during his Feature Address at the official reopening ceremony.

The Honourable Prime Minister added: “You, the people who are here, are the anchor and salvation of St. Kitts and Nevis…You are the anchor that keeps the government going…You are the inspiration that makes us want to wake up each morning to go to work, that makes us not minding the late hours, and even in some instances neglecting our health which we must never do…Health is critical, and it is the Health of the Nation that represents the Wealth of the Nation…Just knowing that this day has come has been an accomplishment.  Just knowing that, today, we have this grand ceremony attended by so many, and so many before me have noted the fact that this has long been a felt need of the people of Constituencies 6, 7 and 8…I have a sense of accomplishment that we can meet and celebrate this occasion.”

The refurbished Mary Charles Hospital has 10 beds; four of which are in a male bay, another four in a female bay and the remaining two in a semi-private room.  There is also a labour and delivery suite with a semi-private room.  The hospital now has an emergency medical technician (EMT) ambulance base and a resuscitation and trauma room.  It also has an asthma bay, a pharmacy, Internet facilities, and a staff room with lockers, among other amenities.

Ms. Shirley Ferlance, Assistant Director of Institutional Nursing Services, also mentioned in her Vote of Thanks that the Ministry of Health intends to institute a foot care program to treat diabetics at the Mary Charles Hospital.  The hospital will also offer limited lab services to include Complete Blood Count (CBC), cholesterol, glucose, potassium and sodium level testing.

Prime Minister Harris said that factoring heavily in the Team Unity Government’s decision to undertake the revitalization project at the Mary Charles Hospital was the desire to bolster people’s sense of confidence by elevating it from “a glorified health centre to providing real services as a hospital,” thereby increasing the community’s utilization of the medical facility.

“As the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament [for Constituency #7], and as the CARICOM lead spokesman on matters to do with health, I appeal to every resident and citizen to take time for your health,” Dr. Harris said to the people in attendance at yesterday’s ceremony.

“This should be the hospital of first choice [for members of nearby communities]…and we expect that it will have a better utilization rate.  The utilization rate was low because too little was being offered in terms of services here…The hospital will be staffed with fully trained health care personnel that includes, of course, doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians, orderlies and housekeeping staff.  We have catered to the comfort of all.  There is a lovely office space for the nurse manager.  There is a nursing station.  We have ensured that there is a brand new kitchen.  We have ensured that there is a new laundry, and we have upgraded all of the bathrooms,” Prime Minister Harris said.

The Honourable Prime Minister added: “The work environment has been substantially improved because this government cares…This facility is just the start and there are many more good things that will happen in health care.”

The oncology centre to treat cancer patients at the Joseph N. France General Hospital and the newly constructed Mental Health Day Treatment Centre at Lime Kiln will be officially opened and handed over for the utilization of citizens and residents in the coming weeks.