Health Ministry begins to receive new Linden Hospital

Jul 18, 2009 News

A section of the new Linden Hospital

Handing over of some sections of the spanking new Linden Hospital Complex, situated next to the old facility, on Riverside Drive, Watooka, has commenced. Several sections were received by management, and the transition from the old to new facility will begin this weekend and continue in phases, according to executives of the institution.
The handing over of the $1.8 billion facility which was constructed by R. Bassoo and Sons was witnessed by Minister of health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy.
“I believe that the hospital is now ready to be occupied, and it is very beautiful. I expect that by August 1, the hospital will become operational, and begin offering all the services one month later,” Dr Ramsammy said.
Among sections handed over were the female and male wards, rehab room, pharmacy and laboratory. Departments still to be handed over include the two theatres, as those have to be sanitised and sterilised before any occupancy can take place.
Among those present at the event were Director of Medical and Professional Services, Dr. Madan Rambaran, Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Gordon Gumbs, and Dr. Farouk Riyasat as well as representatives from  the Inter American Development Bank.
The handing over was done by the contracting firm R. Bassoo and Son’s project manager, Heidi Gillette, and the Health Services Unit engineer, Andrew Jeffrey.
Minister Ramsammy expressed satisfaction with the construction of the building and the fact that it will soon be occupied.
The Minister further noted that the health sector needs people, buildings and technology to be modernised.
Gumbs said that he is also pleased with the stage the hospital is currently at and is prepared to start moving over this weekend.
He said the old hospital will continue to be occupied until the new one is fully operational, noting that minor adjustments have to be made and air conditioning is among the works to be completed.
The hospital will be providing employment in several departments as there is a higher need for doctors, nurses, janitors, cleaners and other personnel.
Several sections of the old hospital will be demolished, According to Minister Ramsammy, while the administrative department will be rehabilitated and remain at its present site.
The initial estimated cost of the hospital was $1.2 billion but this amount was however adjusted to $1.8 billion to facilitate additional works, including roads within the compound.
The grand official opening is tentatively set for September, according to Minister Ramsammy.