THE sod was turned for the construction of a state-of-the- art $70M mortuary, which will replace the current facility that is housed within the New Amsterdam Hospital Complex.
The facility will be built within the compound of the National Psychiatric Hospital.

In remarks, Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence while thanking the Ministry of Finance for believing and having confidence in the project recognised that the current mortuary’s location was not conducive to proper working conditions.

“Consequently, fruitful discussions were held and we are here to turn the sod for the first public mortuary which has its own building,” the minister concluded.

Meanwhile, the 3000 square-foot concrete structure will have a freezer, gallery for viewing post mortem examinations in progress, administrative section, and a chapel. It will also cater for infectious cases.

Those attending the sod-turning ceremony were: Ministry of Public Health Permanent Secretary, Ms Colette Adams, and her Deputy; Director, Regional Health Services, Jevaughn Stephens, and other Senior health officials; Regional Executive Officer Ms Kim Williams Stephens and Project Contractor Andrew Vincente. The project is expected to be completed by year end.