A SIX-MILLION-DOLLAR UPGRADE is on the cards to improve elderly care at the Geriatric Hospital.

This was disclosed by Minister of Health Donville Inniss recently during his feature address at the 125th anniversary service of the Beckles Road, St Michael health institution.

He identified a five-year plan for a new rehabilitation unit, the establishment of a subacute unit, an overhauled laundry, and a new kitchen along with enhanced dietary services.

"Based on the profile of the patients now being admitted to the Geriatric Hospital from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and also the wider community, it has become necessary to have a rehabilitation unit and work will commence shortly . . . .

"Our preliminary estimates indicate approximately $1 million is to be invested in such a facility here. We cannot replicate such across the island and hence there will have to be a central facility here for such," Inniss told former managers and staff, current employees and patients at the hospital.

He acknowledged improvements were needed at the hospital and it was the intention of the Government to refurbish the hospital in its entirety even though there would be several challenges.

"Due to financial constraints and the increasing demand for beds for the elderly, it is impossible to close the facility in order to effect these repairs. It is therefore my ministry's intention to do this on a phased basis, and it is anticipated that the entire plant would be completely refurbished within a five-year period," Inniss stated.

Reduce burden

He also identified the establishment of a subacute unit at the institution, the proposal of which is "under discussion".

"The aim of providing such a committee is to reduce the burden of long-stay patients at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and free up valuable bed space," he said, stating this venture would be one of collaboration between the Geriatric Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Included in the upgrading plans for the elderly institution will be a $5.3 million kitchen with enhanced dietary services, as well as an improved laundry.

Hospital manager Everton Alleyne applauded Inniss' announcements and said the new buildings and walkways would be named after those who made sterling contributions to the institution.

He also "pleaded" with Government to follow through with the proposed plans.

"If we are to bring it in line and have people accept it as the premier health care institution for the elderly we need to spend a considerable amount of money here," Alleyne noted, adding that the upgrades were necessary to erase the stigma that existed in the local oral tradition of the hospital as an "almshouse" - a haven for the poor and destitute. (MS)