Several key hospital services will soon be relocated from Glendon Hospital to the former Margetson Memorial Home.
From 18 March, the newly refurbished building will house the pharmacy, laboratory, medical records department, office of the hospital nursing manager and the kitchen.
The previous site that accommodated these services will then be demolished to allow for work to begin on Montserrat’s new national hospital.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services announced the move in a press release on Monday, 10 March.
It explained that the pharmacy, laboratory and medical records department will be closed on Friday, 14 March, to facilitate the move.
The ministry suggested that the public ensure a sufficient supply of medications before this date and advised that emergencies will be treated in the Glendon Hospital casualty department.
When the move is complete, the site of the old buildings should be avoided as unauthorised entry will be strictly prohibited, it added.
“The ministry apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates the public’s cooperation and understanding as we work towards improving healthcare infrastructure,” it said.
“We remain committed to ensuring a smooth transition with minimal disruption to patient care.”
A ‘positive development’
The Ministry of Health and Social Services announced the start of refurbishments at the former Margetson Memorial Home on 13 December, 2023.
Montserrat-based construction company, Harewood Construction, was responsible for the works which were overseen by the ministry and the Programme Management Office.
It is all part of the new hospital project which the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office provided the funding for as part of the Capital Investment Programme for Resilient Economic Growth.
A blessing ceremony was held in September 2024 to mark the completion of the works which featured talks from several attendees, as well as music and prayers, and ended with a tour of the facility.
Speaking during the event Governor Sarah Tucker said it was “a significant success and a positive development for Montserrat”.
“These long term investments are critical for the long term sustainability and development of our wonderful island,” she said.
Once the new hospital has been built, the services that have been moved to the refurbished care home will be relocated to their permanent locations.
