A little over one hundred years ago, a barracks was built on the site of the old Savanna-la-mar hospital where the indentured East Indians working on the neighbouring estates were detained and given medical care when they were ill. Such was the fortuitous beginning of the Savanna-la-mar hospital.

Over the years other buildings were added to the original barracks for use as wards, administration offices, dispensary, matrons’ and nurses’ quarters, operating theatres, private wards (furnished by public subscription) and a tuberculosis ward.

The random origins of the institution were reflected in its organisation. When a medical officer took over in 1940, he found himself in sole charge of the whole medical district including the hospital, almshouses and outstations. He was required to do the police work of the district and operate ancillary health services such as vaccinations and clinics for yaws, still prevalent in those days.

At the hospital there was a matron, a pharmacist, six nurses and a small domestic staff. There was no x-ray unit or laboratory.

Over the ensuing years, with increasing demands on the health services, the medical and nursing staff were increased and x-ray and laboratory facilities added. Although the work of the hospital proceeded apace, the public was always aware of the inadequacies of the facilities. The typhoid epidemic of 1956-57 served to emphasize the need for a more spacious hospital, and the demands of the people became more persistent and vociferous.

It was recognised that many other areas of the country also needed new hospitals and so the community began a policy of self-help. To this end, a hospital fund committee was formed to arrange fund-raising functions and collection of donations. This community effort was supported by people from all over Westmoreland.

In 1958, a fire destroyed many of the hospital buildings. This brought home forcibly to the government the pressing need for safe and adequate facilities and resulted in the planning and construction of our present hospital.

Many generous gifts were contributed to make the present hospital possible. The British Government, through the Colonial Development and Welfare Fund, provided a large portion of the money for construction. The then Custos of Westmoreland gave land in memory of his late parents. The West Indies Sugar Company donated money to purchase instruments for the operating theatre. Money subscribed by the general public went to defray the cost of the x-ray equipment. Many ‘Friends’ of the hospital gave items of furniture for the comfort of both staff and patients.

The present hospital was finally officially opened on the 24^th of July 1964, by the Hon. Herbert Eldemire, then Minister of Health.

WESTMORELAND

HEALTH CENTRES BY HEALTH DISTRICTS