Introduction
The members of the Anse la Raye community and its environs now have a new health facility to deliver quality health care to patients after several years of waiting. The formal reopening of the new Anse la Raye Wellness Centre, situated near the entrance of the village, took place on Tuesday, 7th December, 2021 at a ceremony held at the wellness center, attended by Prime Minister, Hon Philip J Pierre, ministers of government, health officials and members of the community of Anse la Raye. This marked the culmination of a 15 year process of development, consultations, approvals, demolition, construction and completion of the new spacious, client oriented facility.
“The original building was decommissioned in 2014, when it was declared unsatisfactory for the delivery of health services. “
Services moved to a rental property situated at Au Tabor in Anse la Raye to continue providing the community with the required health services. Although many thought that the current location was not ideal for the new facility, all who attended the opening ceremony were in awe and expressed a sense of appreciation at the quality of work that was delivered, as well as the spacious environment that was offered.
Remarks on Reopening of Anse la Raye Health and Wellness Centre
Assistant Principal nursing officer, Nurse Alma Dolor in her remarks, stated that the amenities provided at this new facility will help in enhancing productivity and efficiency, aligned with the way forward to quality assurance standards.
Permanent Secretary (Ag) in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, Jenny Daniel stated that this new structure “symbolizes the capacity to deliver quality health service to Health Region Seven (7), with the Anse la Raye facility being one of four health facilities within this region, and now being the premiere health delivery service for primary care within health region seven.
Mr Dwight Calixte , chief planner in the Ministry of Health Wellness and elderly affairs, painted the context in which they developed the Anse la Raye health facility over the 15 year span . Built under a BOLT (Build, Own, Lease, Transfer) agreement, the building had to be safe, green and smart.
He indicated that it was a long journey since the initiation of the project . Although there were many positives, there were also many hurdles in the administrative phase. “Through fifteen years, four ministers, six permanent secretaries, three health planners, three chief health planners, two CMOs. and two pmos”, the final product came to fruition through much dedication .
Efforts were negatively affected by island wide shutdowns, and ensuing health and social distancing protocols. Additionally, significant delays in the global supply chain caused setbacks in the project.
According to Mr. Lancelot Arnold, NIPRO Representative, “ This is the first health facility, but joins a family of 13 other stations and fire stations around St lucia”. They are pleased at NIPRO to once again collaborate with the Government of St. Lucia for financing and construction under a BOLT arrangement with financing for the project being provided by NIPRO’s parent company the National Insurance Corporation. Mr. Arnold remarked that the project was brought to completion under budget at an approximate cost of nine million dollars.
Features and Amenities
The new Anse la Raye Health and Wellness Centre has been built to withstand the ravages of hurricane systems, through the erection of concrete cast roofs, hurricane shutters, the entire site inclusive of the access road to the front has been elevated 1.9 meters above the preexisting grade level to prevent flooding, which would have previously affected the old facility.
The new facility is equipped with a rain water harvesting system , solar water heaters, fire systems, internal communication ,sewer treatment plant and a standby generator for power generating needs. Also included, are ambulance pickup, male female washrooms, 2 consultation rooms with ensuite bathrooms, a dental office with two dental chairs, a general waiting area, a treatment and injections unit, nursing stations triage and records unit, pharmacy, demonstration kitchen, sterilization room and a laundry facility.
Situated on the first floor are a meeting/ conference room, male and female washrooms, staff lounge, consultation rooms, changing rooms and a pump room,
Remarks by Ministry Officials
Parliamentary representative, Hon. Wayne Girard is convinced that the impact of this wellness center is an investment in the people of the community, in our wellness, our potential, in our dreams and aspirations, hopes and ambitions, He believes that it is a cause for celebration and this represents a new era in delivering quality and inclusive health care to the people of Anse la Raye and its environs.
Minister Moses Jn. Baptiste called upon health care workers to turn the facility into a centre of excellence for innovation. He encouraged the nurses and doctors to develop protocols for the best treatment of snakebites. He added that those who work at the facility should continue to provide quality service and be good examples and leaders throughout the Caribbean.
Conclusion
The new facility measures approximately 7630 sq ft in total, with 5195 sq ft on the ground floor and 2470 on the first floor. Construction of the facility began in October of 2019 and ended in August of 2021. It is hoped that the Ministry of Health will be able to put this new facility to good use so that it serves the members of the community for many years to come and that it will become the center of excellence for innovation and a beacon of hope for the region and the world through the services offered.
