30-bed wing to be built at Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre

The addition is to adequately meet the demands of the country, as the population has far outgrown the capacity of its services, resulting in a long waiting list of persons requiring rehabilitative care.

Speaking at the official launch of the building drive last month, Dr. Rory Dixon, senior medical officer, SJGRC, said that the new building is intended to increase accommodation for adults seeking rehabilitation, particularly after spinal cord injury.

Meanwhile, minister of health and wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, who was also present at the launch, said that more support is needed for persons who require rehabilitative care. “There is nowhere in the world where health care is successful that does not involve partnership between the private and the public sector and other stakeholders” he said.

Part funding to facilitate the expansion of the facility will be donated from an undisclosed percentage of profits from the new orthopedic division - Bioprist Pharmaceuticals Orthopedic Solutions.  The health and wellness minister thanked Dr. Guna Muppuri, president and CEO of Indies Pharma Jamaica Limited and his team for assisting the Government of Jamaica to respond to the critical needs of the country.  In his closing remarks, Dr. Tufton urged pedestrians to walk good, motorists to wear a helmet, drivers to wear a seatbelt and obey the speed limits. He emphasized that taking these necessary safety measures, will significantly increase a person’s chance of survival.

The rehabilitation centre has a capacity of over 75 inpatients including children. Patients include persons with spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, congenital defects and other neurological conditions, as well as orthopedic conditions, primarily lower limb amputations. Approximately 50 new cases of spinal cord injury are seen annually at the facility.