Ward at K.H.M.H. gets renovated

There is some good news coming from the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Earlier today a ceremony was held to show off the newly renovated medical ward. The work started six months ago and it will provide patients with some degree of comfort in a more pleasant environment. The Ministry of Health teamed up with Belize Fabrigas to finance the refurbishments. News Five’s Isani Cayetano reports.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

Patients admitted to the KHMH will be a bit more comfortable during recovery thanks to a fully refurbished medical ward on the second floor of the hospital.  The long overdue facelift was done using monies contributed by the Government of Belize and Fabrigas Ltd. to the tune of two hundred and seventeen thousand dollars.  Following a lengthy bidding process the contract was awarded to Drywall Ltd. and work on the project was completed within five months.  Today the newly renovated rooms were officially re-opened to the public.

gary longsworth

Dr. Gary Longsworth, C.E.O., K.H.M.H.

“The actual work finally commenced in July 2010 and was completed on schedule and under budget in November of 2010.  It was a difficult job as the extent of disrepair only became fully evident as the work progressed and several adjustments had to be made to ensure a satisfactory final outcome.  Many walls were water damaged from years of leaks through improperly fitted windows and faulty plumbing.  Further, once wall panels were removed Fabrigas discovered that many of the gas lines were fractured and in need of extensive repair.  In response to this all windows were retrofitted, damaged wall panels, ceiling and floor tiles were replaced, bathrooms and offices were renovated and fans and light fixtures replaced.  Wall tiles were applied throughout for greater ease of cleaning and as well as for their aesthetic value following on the example of the previously renovated surgical ward.”

Besides the maintenance of walls and other fixtures extensive work had to be done to mend broken gas pipes which posed a potential threat to the occupants of the floor.

Dr. Gary Longsworth

“Fabrigas repaired and replaced damaged gas lines and introduced additional lines and also standardized outlets both in the general ward areas as well as the side rooms.  As a final touch, sorry, a new safety alarm and gas shut off system which is over there was also donated and installed.  As a final touch a new nurses station was installed and twenty-five new beds were ordered and distributed throughout the ward at the completion of the project.  So finally we are here today to symbolically return the ward to its occupants who I must commend for their tolerance in coping with the constant intrusions and inconvenience over the last several months.  During this time their work never stopped and the unit manager, Sister Philipa James was most cooperative and gracious even at the most difficult stages of the project.  The final outcome, I believe, is a working environment that is significantly improved and of which everyone can be proud.”

The donation of thirty-two thousand dollars by Fabrigas Ltd. comes as part of the company’s ongoing corporate responsibility.  Reporting for News Five, I am Isani Cayetano.