ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017 - GIS: Another major hospital development project is set to unfold in Grenada and international as well as Grenadian health officials are excited about this new development that can have enormous cost saving health benefits for the country.

The Princess Alice Hospital in St Andrew will soon be upgraded to a climate smart or (green facility) as the hospital is expected to be transformed, with modern designs that are expected to improve operations and services delivery in the Northern and Eastern sides of the island.

GIS learned that the project which is being jointly executed by the Government of Grenada and PAHO is funded by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID).

On Thursday the Ministry of Health hosted a PAHO delegation that included engineers, project coordinators and safe, smart hospitals experts as part of an official kick-off meeting.

Experts say on completion of the project, the facility which is expected to see the installation of a new hurricane-resistant roof, infrastructural upgrades with safety features for the patients and staff, a new automated electrical back-up power system, as well as an improved water storage and supply system that will enhance the hospital’s capability to deliver care especially during disasters.

One of the visiting officials told the meeting which included representatives from the General and Princess Alice Hospitals, that the project and designs have met and passed, all PAHO’s international standards and is expected to be completed in 12 months.

The PAHO supervised project, will be executed by the Ministry of Health and has already had input from the Ministries of Works and Finance. The contract for construction was awarded to F.A Jeremiah and Associates.

The safe-smart hospital project officials confirmed is valued at over 800,000 United States Dollars.