The Santa Cruz Health Centre in Jamaica was officially handed over to the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) after being retrofitted to become safer, greener, and more resilient to natural disasters and climate change.

This was done as part of the Strengthening Health Care Facilities in the Caribbean project, also known as ‘Smart’, where a total of 12 facilities were upgraded and an additional two full designs were handed over to the MOHW.

The culmination of this project marks a transformative effort to create safer, greener, and more resilient health facilities in the region.

Safety upgrades at the Santa Cruz Health Centre involved the replacement or reinforcement of damaged timber roofs, installation of new doors and hurricane shutters, enhancements to the electrical network, and the introduction of firefighting equipment and a fire alarm system.

Green upgrades incorporated into the project focus on sustainable practices, including more efficient cooling and ventilation systems, waste management, rainwater harvesting, stormwater drainage improvements, LED lighting, and a 15kW Photovoltaic system. These measures not only lower operating expenditures but also contribute to a more environmentally friendly healthcare infrastructure.

Functional upgrades addressed the expansion of patient waiting areas, the installation of emergency exits, and the introduction of disabled access ramps. Improved cabinetry, washroom facilities, and a dedicated disabled patient toilet were part of the facility’s modernisation.

The ‘Smart’ project has provided a blueprint for disaster and climate resilience infrastructure practices, with Jamaica incorporating resilient design standards into its building code. The Jamaican government, in collaboration with international partners, secured US$100M for further upgrades to health facilities, showcasing the project’s positive impact and scalability.

Ian Stein, PAHO/WHO representative in Jamaica, Bermuda, and the Cayman Islands, emphasised the importance of smart health facilities in developing resilience within the healthcare system. He expressed gratitude to UKAID for their substantial investment, enabling the healthcare system to enhance its infrastructure.

Philip Barton, permanent undersecretary of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, commended Jamaica for embedding new standards in their building codes and highlighted the relevance of disaster preparedness, especially in the wake of recent challenges such as earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Christopher Tufton, minister of Health and Wellness, lauded the ‘Smart Healthcare Facilities Project’ as a testament to investing in people and infrastructure. He acknowledged the collaboration with the UK and PAHO as a win for public health in Jamaica, emphasising the critical role of infrastructural resilience in the face of climate issues, emerging diseases, and non-communicable diseases.

The £46.3m (US$58.67m) ‘Smart Hospital’ project, implemented in seven Caribbean countries, has upgraded a total of 55 facilities to improve climate resilience. This initiative, funded by UKaid, underscores the commitment to fortify healthcare infrastructure and create a robust healthcare system capable of navigating challenges and ensuring the well-being of the population.