Falmouth Hospital receives $17 million ambulance donation from Japanese Embassy
Published:Thursday | March 6, 2025 | 12:07 AMLeon Jackson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
The Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny received a major boost to its emergency response capabilities on Tuesday when the Japanese Embassy donated a fully equipped J$17 million ambulance. The new addition enhances the hospital’s ability to provide high-quality mobile healthcare services.
Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton, who attended the handing-over ceremony, expressed appreciation for the generous donation, highlighting Japan’s continued support of Jamaica’s healthcare system.
“Today’s donation is a continuation of Japanese goodwill. They supported us during the Chic-V (Chikungunya) outbreak and COVID-19, and we are grateful,” said Tufton.
“The quality of healthcare we provide has improved with this donation. The hospital currently responds to about four accident calls and eight regular calls per week.”
Tufton noted that Falmouth Hospital’s proximity to the busy North Coast Highway means it frequently receives accident victims.
“The hospital’s location contributes to the high number of emergency cases. This new ambulance increases our capacity to respond efficiently,” he said.
Princess Wedderburn, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Falmouth Hospital, also expressed gratitude, emphasising the positive impact the donation will have on patient care.
“We now have four fully operational ambulances. We are deeply thankful to the Japanese Embassy for this contribution, which strengthens our ability to provide top-tier healthcare services,” Wedderburn said.
Ken Grant, chairman of the hospital board, views the donation as another step toward achieving Type B hospital status, a long-standing goal for the facility.
“When I became chairman, I had ambitious hopes for this hospital, and every year, I’ve seen progress,” Grant stated.
“The hospital now has 189 beds, with the former COVID-19 ward transformed into a 35-bed female surgical ward.”
He also noted several recent upgrades, including a new walkway that facilitates patient transfers between wards and the expansion of operating theaters to four.
“We now have 29 doctors assigned to the hospital. My ultimate goal is to see Falmouth Hospital designated as a Type B facility. When that happens, I will have completed my leg of the relay,” Grant said.