PRINCESS ALICE HOSPITAL TURNS SIXTY

ST. GEORGE’S, MARCH 3, 2010 -- A thanksgiving ceremony reflecting on the existence and service of the Princess Alice Hospital will be held tomorrow Thursday 4 March, 2010, to mark the sixtieth anniversary of that healthcare institution.

The State owned community Hospital, which predominantly serves the agricultural communities of St. Andrew and St. Patrick, as well as parts of St. John and St. David, was commissioned by Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone on March 4, 1950.

When the facility began its operation some sixty years ago it had a total bed count of (60) and was managed by a Medical Officer, a Matron and Steward Pharmacist. Presently the facility is duly managed by three Medical Officers, a Health Service Administrator, a Pharmacist and Matron/Senior Nursing Officer.

In September of 2004 the facility suffered major losses after parts of the main physical structure, equipment and accessories were destroyed by Hurricane Ivan. That prompted local health authorities to consider and institute ways to minimize risk, by refurbishing sections of the building utilizing new building methods, etc., to mitigate against potential disasters such as hurricanes. Upon completion of refurbishment works, the institution’s bed capacity was reduced to 41 and to date the services offered are mainly Medical, Obstetric, Accident & Emergency, Obstetric, Paediatric and Pharmaceutical.

 In more recent times, Health officials have been implementing safe hospital principles and methods that are considered to meet international health and safety principles and standards. In March of 2009, an Obstetric/Gynaecology Clinic was commenced making it easy for Clients in this area to access this service, and efforts are underway to reintroduce diagnostic services such as x-ray and laboratory which were offered in the past.