Residents of Nannyville Gardens in South East St. Andrew are benefitting from a refurbished community health centre, which was officially opened earlier this year.

Built in the 1970s, the old structure was upgraded in late 2014 through the efforts of the Ministry of Health and the South East Regional Health Authority, with funding provided by the National Health Fund.

Following the $51 million renovation project, the centre now provides primary health care services to the residents of Nannyville and the surrounding communities of Swallowfield, Stadium Gardens and other sections of Mountain View.

Prior to the opening of the centre, residents were forced to travel to other health centres located on Windward Road and in Rollington Town.

Curative care

The facility offers a range of health services, including antenatal, postnatal, maternal and child health care, mental health care, as well as curative care. There are also plans to offer dental health care at the facility.

The staff of the clinic comprise two doctors, one registered nurse, one registered midwife and a community health aide.

In an interview with JIS News, Registered Midwife, Nurse Eugenie Ingram-Greene, said that the community members have welcomed the health centre with open arms.

"Persons are excited by the new facility. On average, we see about 20 to 25 persons per day. Most of the persons who come to us are cases for the curative section that treats persons with hypertension, diabetes and other disorders. We also have an increase in antenatal clients right now," she said.

Vineyard Town resident Howard Jackson takes his son to the clinic twice weekly to monitor the child's blood pressure for consultation at the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

Mr Jackson is pleased with the newly refurbished facility. "It's in a nice, serene atmosphere. The staff is friendly, there is a real community spirit, and a big plus is the new facility.