Prime Minister Mia Mottley has announced sweeping upgrades to Barbados’ public health infrastructure, including a 40 per cent expansion of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), construction of two new polyclinics, and significant equipment investments.
Speaking at the official opening of Bayview Hospital’s new Urgent Care Facility on Wednesday, the Prime Minister described the upcoming QEH expansion as the largest since the hospital’s original construction on Martindale’s Road, St. Michael. She revealed that Government has been in talks with a Chinese company over the past four months to execute the project.
Minister of Health and Wellness, Senator Dr. The Most Honourable Jerome Walcott, is expected to deliver a Ministerial Statement in Parliament soon to provide further details on the QEH expansion plans.
In addition to boosting hospital capacity, Ms. Mottley said Government has partnered with the Saudi Development Fund to finance the construction of two new polyclinics — the Randal Phillips Polyclinic in Oistins, Christ Church, and the Eunice Gibson Polyclinic in Warrens, St. Michael. Existing polyclinics across the island will also undergo refurbishment.
A key feature of the new Randal Phillips facility will be its ability to accommodate up to 25 beds to ease pressure on the QEH during emergencies.
“The combined investment with the construction of two new polyclinics, and with the significant expansion of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, plus the upgrade of the existing polyclinics, plus the commitment to purchase over $140 million in equipment for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the first tranche of which has already started, is a testament to the extent that the Government is committed to upgrading the quality of healthcare in Barbados for Barbadians,” Ms. Mottley stated.
She also noted enhancements in cancer care, highlighting the commissioning of a linear accelerator at the QEH and the upcoming installation of a PET CT scan at Bayview Hospital.
Following her remarks, the Prime Minister toured the newly opened facility with Bayview Hospital officials.
