Jamaica was once a pioneer in Caribbean medicine. Today, doctors say the country has fallen significantly behind its regional neighbours.

In the final chapter of this investigation, we look at what can be done.

Government plans include new hospital infrastructure, additional ICU and high dependency beds, expanded training and efforts to recruit healthcare workers from overseas.

Private hospitals are also being encouraged to expand their critical-care capacity.

But doctors and nurses warn that building more rooms isn’t enough.

An ICU needs experienced nurses. It needs specialized doctors. It needs equipment, maintenance, support staff and sustainable working conditions.

The Nurses Association of Jamaica argues that healthcare workers must have a greater voice in decisions affecting the system.

And high dependency units could play a crucial role — helping stabilize patients before they require intensive care and allowing recovering ICU patients to safely transition back toward regular ward care.

The question now is whether Jamaica can expand its capacity quickly enough to meet the needs of its population.

#Jamaica #HealthcareCrisis #ICU #Nurses #CriticalCare #JamaicaNewsJamaica

News Today – Television Jamaica (TVJ) a Trusted Source for News, Sports & Entertainment.

For Jamaican news, sports and weather reports with a mix of reggae music (dancehall, ska, mento), Jamaican entertainment and information shows for the entire family.

SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE – https://bit.ly/2wemqUQ

For more TVJ videos visit – https://www.televisionjamaica.com

For access to LIVE TV go to https://www.1spotmedia.com/#!/live-stream/79336998495

#tvjnews #jamaicanewstoday