Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

The St Catherine Parish Council and the Social Development Commission will be working to ease overcrowding at the Spanish Town Hospital in coming months.

It was revealed at the Council's monthly general meeting Thursday, that there were 26 persons living illegally on beds at the health institution.

Mayor of Spanish Town, Norman Scott, told councillors they needed to support the five-kilometre Run/Walk put on by the SDC on August 1.

Scott said the old chapel at the Spanish Town Infirmary, Monk Street, will be renovated. He said it would be renovated at an estimated cost of $8 million.

He said if the councillors supported the venture, it would encourage others to participate.

The event's proceeds will be used to offset costs of the renovation.

Eyesore

The parish council chairman said it is an eyesore for visitors to the hospital, which had patients sleeping on chairs and benches while the unofficial occupants took their beds.

He said most of the persons have nowhere to go. The parish council is willing to assist them.

Fight against crime

It was revealed that the council will continue to work with the police in its fight against crime.

A mandate was also given to councillors to educate persons on good health practices, especially with a new mosquito-borne disease in the Caribbean.