Initiative launched to expand UHWI burn unit

A fund-raising initiative has been launched to revamp and expand the burn unit at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) into a fit-for-purpose facility.

Approximately $260 million is proposed to complete expansion of the unit. Victims of severe burns often seek assistance overseas to receive treatment and donations from the public to offset the heavy fees associated with their medical care. Petrojam pledged $10 million per year to the project, followed by West Indies Petroleum, which pledged 50 per cent of Petrojam's donation per year.

The execution of the project will be spearheaded by a steering committee, which includes stakeholders from the UHWI and Petrojam. The committee is expected to meet once monthly.

Three subcommittees will also be established to focus on marketing and public relations, medical care and construction development.

The existing facility will be increased from 870 square feet to approximately 4,400 square feet. Each patient room will house its own bathroom.

Other works include improving ventilation and building outpatient and scar management care areas.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton, said the initiative aligns with the government's plan to expand the UHWI.

"This year we expect to re-route the ring road. That is going through the procurement process [with] about $500 million committed. Next year, we're going through a procurement process to add a brand new and equipped six-storey tower, which will see significant additional capacity in terms of operating theatre space and so on," he said.

He further added that improving the burn unit will help the UHWI to provide capacity-building training in Jamaica and the region, because "Jamaica is always seen as a regional hub for advanced medical care".

"A lot of people come here for care. Some of the smaller islands don't have the capacity and they have to fly to Miami or some other place, and it's far more expensive. We can, by adding this unit, provide additional support to our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean region," the minister said.

Members of the private and public sectors are encouraged to contact the UHWI or Petrojam to donate to the project.