Mercy Hospital launches $20M COVID-19 testing and treatment centre

The St. Joseph Mercy Hospital (SJMH) has launched its COVID-19 testing and treatment facility at the St. Paul Retreat Centre at Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara.

According to a statement from the private institution, the COVID-19 Testing, Treatment and Isolation Centre was licenced by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) after a stringent inspection of the premises and evaluation of the services offered.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of SJMH, Mrs. Deborrah Ramsay, said the hospital was keenly aware that COVID-19 testing and treatment can be overwhelming and unknown territory for many persons, and wanted to make the hospital’s highly skilled personnel and medical resources available to help control the spread of the disease in Guyana, and assist those who contract it.

The facility –a church building –was made available by the Catholic Church of Guyana.

The hospital spent $20M to develop the centre as an all-inclusive COVID-19 facility, according to the statement.

The DECO of the hospital said the church building is being used to ensure that the hospital’s Kingston facility is not contaminated.

SJMH boasted of having top-rated medical products, amenities and services at the centre—to provide the most efficient screening for COVID-19 and isolation when needed.

To this end, the COVID-19 Testing, Treatment and Isolation Centre” was fitted with 37 beds, a broad system of air conditioning units and an adequate number of sanitary blocks, while also meeting MOPH air-quality requirements. Staff members are fully trained and equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) necessary to effectively prevent contagion.

Persons who have tested positive at the Centre and agree to be admitted there would not be required to pay for the initial test.  All tests required prior to discharge will attract a fee.

The Hospital is celebrating 75 years since it began operation.