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By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer
No one travels to Jamaica with a trip to the hospital as a part of the plan. But, emergencies happen and try as you may, sometimes you will not be prepared. However, if it comes to it, rest assured knowing that the hospitals in Kingston, Jamaica are not just some of the best on the island, but the Caribbean at large.
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Here are 6 major players in the healthcare industry in Kingston Jamaica.
Public Institutional Medicine was first created in Jamaica, when the Kingston Public Hospital opened its doors on December 14, 1776. Initially, the hospital served Jamaica's white community. Slaves were cared for on a property in what was then known as "hot houses" until 1838, after freedom, when they were welcomed by the hospital. KPH was initially intended to serve as both a hospital and an almshouse. Later, it evolved into a mental hospital; however, in 1850, the hospital was moved. The hospital started providing round-the-clock care seven days a week in 1859. Various structures with original designs that suited the facility's tropical climate were added in the 20th century.
From its modest beginnings, KPH has become both the largest trauma centre and the largest multidisciplinary hospital in the Government Health Service.
Services include Diagnostic imaging and laboratory, Pharmacy, Medical and Surgery, Physiotherapy, Radiotherapy, General and emergency surgery, Neurosurgery, Rheumatology, Ear Nose Throat Surgery, Urology, Orthopaedic, Anaesthesia and intensive care, Pain management services, Gastroenterology, Haematology, Oncology, Nephrology dialysis, Neurology, Endocrinology.
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The first patient was admitted to the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), originally known as the University College Hospital of the West Indies, in September 1952. Since that time, they have been dedicated to giving Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean high-quality patient care, training, and research. A variety of medical services are available from them. Through more than 30 specialized outpatient clinics, they provide outpatient care. Provide support services to patients as well, including their International Patients' Office (IPO), radiography, cardiology, physiotherapy, and addiction treatment, among others.
Services include 24-Hour Emergency Services, Ambulatory Surgical Care, Burns Unit, Cardiology Services, CT Scans, Dialysis Services, Fertility Management, First World Neurological Services, Intensive Care Unit, Laboratory Services, MRI
Obstetrics and Gynecological Services, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy Services, Plastic Surgery Services, Private Wing, Radiology Services, Urology Services, and Wholistic Maternity Services.
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The largest referral maternity hospital in the English Speaking Caribbean is the Victoria Jubilee Hospital. The maternity hospital was created in the Honor of Queen Victoria in 1887, the year she was celebrating her Jubilee Anniversary. Governor of Jamaica, His Excellency Sir Henry Blake, inaugurated the structure's use in 1891. The facility had 12 beds and employed a matron and 14 trainee/student midwives. The hospital's growth and modernization were always matched by a corresponding increase in the services provided.
Services include Antenatal, Postnatal, Gynaecology, Family Planning, Adolescent Health, Maternal-Fetal Medicine.
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On November 6, 1963, the Bustamante Hospital for Children (BHC) was created. Today it is the only specialized pediatric hospital in the English-speaking Caribbean. The Accident and Emergency Department sees over 50,000 patients a year and is open around the clock. Additionally, the Outpatients Department hosts specialist clinics five days a week, with 35,000 clinic visits annually. With a wide range of diagnostic, preventative, curative, rehabilitative, and ambulatory services in pediatric medical and surgical specialities and subspecialties, this outstanding institution treats patients from birth to the age of twelve. Originally a British Military Hospital, the building was given to the Jamaican government on November 6, 1962, as a "goodwill" gesture after Jamaica gained independence.
Services include Cardiology, Neonatology, Pulmonology, Neurology, Nephrology, Child Mental Health, Dermatology, Paediatric Surgery, Paediatric Urology, Neurosurgery, Social Work and much more.
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The Jamaica Cancer Society's Hope Institute, a free hospital for cancer patients, debuted its doors in March 1963. It was run by a consultative committee and had 52 beds at first.
The Cancer Society's mission was to offer cancer patients treatment and care that was on par with what was offered in foreign private hospitals and facilities, for little to no cost. Together with Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) and the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), the Institute serves as a hospice that supports the advancement of cancer treatment.
Services include Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy, Terminal care, Respite care, Symptom control, and Counselling.
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During the Jamaican tuberculosis epidemic in 1940, the National Chest Hospital was formally inaugurated. At that time, it was referred to as the King George V Sanatorium. Initially, this facility was used to isolate and treat patients who had been diagnosed with tuberculosis. To handle COVID-19 patients, the National Chest Hospital has increased its bed capacity by 40%. Additionally, the hospital has put into practice its surge plan, which involved using an extra twenty (20) beds for the care of COVID-19 patients, which would have reduced regular operations. The facility is still doing everything it can to manage the patients.
Services include Adult Pulmonology, Fibre-optic and rigid bronchoscopy, Endobronchial and open lung biopsies, Pleural biopsies, Thoracoscopy (limited), Open resection of lung lesions, Diagnosis and management of infectious diseases of the lung and pleura, Rigid Oesophagoscopy and many more.
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Jamaica certainly has its fair share of issues in the healthcare industry, but these hospitals in Kingston have a great track record of ensuring that all your needs will be taken care of.
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