Government proposes to institute burn unit

Racquel A. McKenzie

1 year ago

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Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton has alluded that discussions are currently being held with the relevant stakeholders to possibly institute a burn unit on the island.

This he notes comes after repeated calls have been made by members of the Sanmerna Foundation as well as other entities for a burn unit to be on the island.

Dr Tufton further stated that while he may not be able to commit to the start date, possible locations for the unit would include the University Hospital of The West Indies or the Kingston Public Hospital.

The Minister also underscored that while the nation’s public health system is equipped to treat some burn cases, there is a need to have a facility put in place to treat severe cases.

“We are looking at a burn unit. We are now in conversation with Petrojam to collaborate with them around looking at establishing a specialized burn unit. So, it is in the making” the Minister stated.

“The truth is hospitals treat burn victims. The issue with a burn unit is that we get a specialized area for advanced burns” he added.

Meanwhile, a call has been issued by the Project Manager of the Sanmerna Foundation Stephen Josephs for other entities of the society inclusive of the Opposition to get on board in order to get the project done.

“I am making a passionate appeal to the Government, the Opposition and the private sector. Let us work together to establish a burn unit even at level two and have a memorandum of understanding with an external hospital for level-three burn victims” he explained.

“Sanmerna Foundation has been experiencing a high level of calls not just from Jamaican nationals but also from the Caribbean islands to assist with burn victims who have experienced severe burns. The truth is we would love to help more burn victims, but our resources are limited, and we can’t help everyone as we would want to ” he added.