The completed SJH will comprise of 12 buildings in total.

“Well, right now we are working on all of the buildings that have this year's approval. You know that sometime late last year we received this year's approval for the rest of the buildings so we are ready to go with all of the buildings and the entire project and the work continues now and we are pleased with the progress,” he said.

The Health Minister says the staff of the St. Jude Hospital are optimistic that they will be back at the original site in the shortest possible time.

“We are very optimistic and happy that the work continues and we look forward to reopening or returning the patients and staff to the original St. Jude site in the shortest possible time,” he said.

SHJ CEO Lydia Atkins disclosed that the completed hospital will house services never-before-seen on-island. This, she adds, is in an effort to modernise and streamline the operations of SJH, making it a premier healthcare facility.

“St. Jude Hospital would then become the first facility and only facility on the island that is able to provide hydrotherapy. Why is that important? We've noted increased numbers of persons with diabetes and hypertension, we have high numbers of stroke and cardiovascular incidents. As a result, these individuals would be able to benefit from that kind of therapy to allow us to be able to support rehabilitation, to support them in getting greater mobility post-stroke,” she explained.

Hydrotherapy is a therapeutic approach that utilises water for various health benefits. It involves techniques such as hot and cold baths, steam baths, saunas, and water exercises. Hydrotherapy can promote relaxation, improve circulation, reduce pain and inflammation, and enhance physical rehabilitation. It is used to treat a range of conditions, including arthritis, muscle strains, stress, and sports injuries.