KPH surgery delays, new health complaints unit and West Indies T20 win lead national roundup

Opposition health spokesman Dr. Alfred Dawes is pressing for swift, lasting repairs at Kingston Public Hospital, where infrastructure problems are continuing to interfere with surgical care.

The Southeast Regional Health Authority said on Sunday that problems involving 40 air-conditioning systems were still affecting operating theatres and causing postponements for elective surgeries.

Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton said the ministry has created a department to independently examine complaints about the quality of service in the public health sector. He said the ministry also intends to use mystery patients and unannounced inspections at health facilities.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force is grieving two members who died after separate weekend incidents. Constable Michael Francis was discovered dead in a suspected suicide at the Maroon Town Police Station in St. James. District Constable Nicholas McLean died while receiving treatment in hospital.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness said Jamaica should work toward becoming a country where people want to live, work and invest. He cited Dubai and Singapore as development examples, and said that goal would depend on stronger productivity, reduced crime, improved infrastructure and a different approach to work and economic growth.

In sport, West Indies secured the three-match T20 International series against Sri Lanka 2-1 on Sunday night, winning by five wickets in a tense contest at Sabina Park in Kingston.

At midday, the US dollar was selling for J$158.99, the British pound sterling for J$217.26 and the Canadian dollar for J$116.79. Tuesday’s forecast is for partly cloudy conditions.