2013 timeline for new Peebles Hospital
Hon. Skelton, who visited the site a few weeks ago, revealed that he was pleased with the progress made by James Todman Construction Ltd – the local firm hired to complete the exterior and interior works of the health facility, which cost close to $70M.
“So from the assessment, I anticipate that its [physical work] will be finished by mid 2013 along with some equipment inside,” the Health Minister said. “We just want to dot our I’s and cross our T’s regarding the administrative apart of the contract.”
Commenting on the staffing, Hon. Skelton revealed that there were recent “discussions on the way forward”.
Meanwhile, Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith in his budget address on January 17, 2012 said he was deeply concerned about the manner in which the hospital project was handled in his party’s absence. However, he divulged that the continuation of the interior works will begin shortly and that the hospital will be commissioned in the next 15 to 18 months.
The previous administration, the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), had signed a $4.174M contract with James Todman to erect canopies at the main entrance, pave the yard, construct retaining walls and stairs, repair pipes and replace basement windows, among other things. It was signed on May 12, 2011. Then on November 4, 2011, the former Premier and Finance Minister Hon. Ralph T. O'Neal had inked a contract for the interior works of the hospital between Todman Construction and a US-based company.
When fully operational the 150,000 square foot, six-storey facility will include over 120 beds, three standard-size operating theatres, two nursing stations to support each of the major hospital wards, three labour and delivery rooms, a physiotherapy wing, a chapel, cafeteria and gift shop, among others.
Interestingly, CARIMAX, the Dominican Republic firm initially hired to build the hospital, had their services terminated in April 2010 for its failure to fulfil several contractual obligations.
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