Security heightened for Kingston Public and Victoria Jubilee hospitals (KPH, VJH) staff

The uncertainty staring at the capital has forced local authorities into heightened security measures at the Kingston Public and Victoria Jubilee hospitals

Health Minister Rudyard Spencer gave the go-ahead to the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) to put in place additional measures to address the security and welfare of staff at the two hospitals, a release issued yesterday by the Ministry of Health revealed.

"This follows recent incidents of concern in areas surrounding the facilities," read a section of the release.

The ministry said measures to improve security arrangements for staff travelling to and from the facilities were examined at a meeting on Friday with officials of the SERHA, the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

"It was decided that certain measures will be put in place immediately. These include increased patrols by the JCF, which will also provide escort services to persons leaving the facilities, the establishment of safe corridors for travel to and from the hospitals, and provisions for persons responding to emergencies late at night, with a number to call the police to obtain escort services." The JDF also gave a commitment to work with the JCF to provide supporting services as needed.