Following its closure for renovations for just under a year, the Liberta Health Clinic was formally re-opened to provide health care services to the community on Thursday.
In a ceremony populated by officials of the ministry of health, the parliamentary representative, teachers and students of neighbouring schools and members of the community, there was widespread joy and gratitude that the health clinic is now available to provide critical health-care for the people of Liberta and surrounding communities.
There was further elation when it was announced that the new clinic in Cobbs Cross will be opened in about another eight weeks, thus adding another achievement for area MP, E.P Chet Greene.
Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph noted that the reopening of the clinic is more than just a renovation of a building as it is a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure across the country.
“We understand that for too long, many of our clinics have faced challenges, including outdated facilities, staffing shortages, and limited resources. But we are taking decisive action to change that. The improvements made to the Liberta Clinic reflect our ongoing efforts to strengthen primary healthcare services. This clinic will offer:
- General medical consultations, ensuring that residents have access to routine check-ups and treatments.
- Maternal and child healthcare services, ensuring that mothers and babies receive the best possible start to life.
- Chronic disease management, providing ongoing support for those living with conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
- Immunization programs, which are crucial for the protection of both children and adults, and
- Emergency medical assistance, ensuring that timely care is available when it is needed most.
In his remarks, MP Greene disclosed that he had become dissatisfied with the state of the clinic prior to the closure and had made repeated appeals to his ministerial and Cabinet colleagues to take action to improve the physical and other conditions at the clinic. At one point, he revealed that he took the Health Minister on a tour of the clinic for him to see the conditions firsthand. It was following this that it was agreed that the renovations will take place as a matter of priority.
During the period of its closure, nurses attached to the clinic took the initiative to visit patients in their homes to deliver health care services, while the MP acquired a vehicle that was used to transport the elderly to access health-care. Additionally, the St. Paul Community Centre was made available for the vaccination programme for infants as well as for other health care services.
During the ceremony, MP Greene singled out two nurses for special recognition for the outstanding work that they have provided to the community over several years. They are retired Nurses’ Aide, Annel Weaver and Nurse Joyann Quinn.
