The Ministry of Health has announced that visiting hours at the Joseph N. France General Hospital, Pogson Medical Centre, and Mary Charles Hospital will be extended effective December 1st, 2024.
This change is a concrete step toward achieving the quality and accessibility standards required for accreditation.The new hours will be from 2p.m. to 7p.m. daily.
The extended hours are a calculated move toward strengthening patient-family relationships and enhancing patient-centered treatment.
Medical Chief of Staff at JNF General Hospital, Dr. Daveen Wilkin, said: “Family presence during the recovery process can significantly improve outcomes. These extended hours provide greater flexibility for loved ones to support their family members during hospitalization.”
Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Mr. Curtis Martin, endorsed the initiative, emphasizing its impact on patient well-being. “At the heart of this policy improvement are our patients and their families,” he said.
Martin was also quoted as saying: “We recognize that hospitalization is often a challenging time, and this change allows loved ones to play a greater role in providing comfort and care. By extending visiting hours, we are fostering a more compassionate and inclusive approach to healthcare.”
