New Health Centre Enhances Visitor Safety

Local officials in St Ann and St Mary are celebrating the TSL Health and Wellness Centre opening at the Island Village Shopping Centre. This facility is a vital addition to the area, providing essential health services for cruise ship passengers and hotel guests. The centre aims to address potential medical emergencies, ensuring visitors can access immediate care when needed.

Strategic Location for Emergency Services

Michael Belnavis, the Mayor of St Ann’s Bay, expressed his gratitude to the management of Island Village for integrating the health centre into the shopping complex. The centre is strategically positioned between Reynold’s Pier and the Ocho Rios Cruise Ship Pier. This location is crucial, as it allows for quick access to medical services for tourists arriving by sea.

Belnavis highlighted the previous challenges faced by the area due to the absence of emergency medical services near the cruise piers. He stated, “The lack of an emergency health centre near the cruise piers had always been a concern, especially given the high volume of cruise traffic through Ocho Rios.” With the new facility in place, the community can respond swiftly to emergencies, which is vital considering the travel time to the St Ann’s Bay Hospital.

As the Chairman of the National Cruise Council (NCC), Belnavis noted that cruise line officials now feel more at ease knowing that immediate medical assistance is available for their passengers. This enhancement not only improves the safety of visitors but also enriches their overall experience in Jamaica. The facility, operational for just over a year, is expected to benefit not only cruise tourists but also hotel guests, Airbnb visitors, and local residents.

Cargo Ship Runs Aground On St. Lawrence Seaway Near Montreal Blocking Maritime Traffic

Garfield Dussard, a businessman from Tower Isle in St Mary, echoed these sentiments. He pointed out that the centre would also serve tourists staying in nearby accommodations who might encounter health emergencies. This development is a significant step toward ensuring the well-being of all visitors in the region.

Quick Access to Emergency Services

Dr. Andre Gordon, CEO of TSL Health and Wellness Centre, emphasized the importance of the facility in providing timely medical attention to visitors facing health crises. He stated, “This development is especially significant for cruise and hotel guests who can now receive urgent care in a comfortable, accessible environment, which can save lives and improve their travel experience.”

The health centre offers quick access to emergency services, alleviating the stress of long journeys to the nearest hospital. Medical emergencies can arise unexpectedly during port visits, and this facility ensures that guests can receive immediate care. This improvement is essential for maintaining a positive experience for tourists in Jamaica.

Andrew Reid, Operations Manager of Island Village Shopping Centre, expressed pride in having such a professional health facility on-site. He remarked, “Having TSL Health and Wellness Centre here means we can effectively manage any health-related incidents and ensure the safety and well-being of our visitors.”

The Ministry of Tourism has also welcomed the health centre’s strategic location. Delano Seiveright, Chief Strategist and Senior Adviser in the Ministry of Tourism, noted, “Having this facility nearby ensures we are prepared for any emergency that may arise, providing peace of mind for everyone involved.”

This new addition to the Ocho Rios community is set to enhance the overall visitor experience. Tourists can now enjoy their stay with greater confidence in their safety and well-being, knowing that help is readily available if needed.