Patients at the University Hospital of the West Indies, (UHWI) infected with or suspected to have COVID-19 will now have more room. This as the recently constructed field hospital was officially handed over by the Health Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, and private partners.

Stakeholders from the Ministry of Health and the private sector officially opened the University Field Hospital on Thursday, September 30. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton highlighted the significance of the field hospital. The Minister noted that the UHWI is expected to carry more than its fair share of the burden, due to the onset of the pandemic. He says this is as result of the capacity that the hospital is able to hold and the medical practitioners at the hospital with a wide range of knowledge.

Dr. Tufton also added that the support of the private sector has been very impactful. The Minister also reiterates the importance of vaccination. In the meantime, Willard Brown, Executive Vice President for the Sagicor Group, says he is elated the company played a part in this initiative.

The facility at the University Hospital of the West Indies now has 40 beds, and there are also plans to further expand the space to house more COVID-19 patients.

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