THE new Albouystown Clinic is being repaired to include a pharmacy and a chronic illness clinic, among other services.

The City Council had made a decision in the past that should the clinic fail to be reopened by March 31, someone from the Engineer’s Department would be held culpable and will be disciplined.

City Engineer Colvern Venture at the Council’s most recent statutory meeting, asked for a week’s extension to finish the original works that were budgeted for, citing issues with the procurement of materials. Constituency 10 Councillor Malcolm Ferreira however moved a motion to give the Engineer’s Department two more weeks to have the project completed failing which, disciplinary action will be taken.

Majority of the councillors voted in favour of the motion. The clinic, to be operated between Monday and Friday, is therefore expected to be back in operation by April 14. Chief Health Visitor for the Georgetown Municipality Welfare Centres Berris Springer said the chronic illness clinic will cater for hypertensive and diabetic patients, along with others that would normally go to the Georgetown Hospital’s outpatient department.

Other new services include daily dressing, voluntary testing and counselling of HIV and VIA which screens for precancerous cells.

“We will also have a pharmacy there so that people can access their medication right there for free.”

According to Springer, previously there were two washrooms at the facility to cater for staff and the public, but another will now be added for men’s use only. Mayor Patricia Chase-Green described the new facility as one that will work as a ‘one stop shop’, thus reducing the need for residents to go to the Georgetown Hospital.

Town Clerk Royston King informed councillors that the Ministry of Public Health is assisting with the additional works and services. Finance Committee Chairman Oscar Clarke said the project was already budgeted and if the Ministry wants additional facilities installed, the Ministry will have to bear the cost.

The Albouystown Clinic is one of the largest in the City and serves not only Albouystown, but Charlestown, Riverview, Alexander Village, Independence Boulevard and Middle Road, and La Penitence.