A patient of the Spaldings Health Centre in Manchester makes his way to the facility by way of the newly constructed link-way which connects the centre to the Percy Junor Hospital. The construction of the link-way reduces the need for patients and staff to walk on the busy main road to get from one institution to the other. - photo by Byron McDaniel

Byron McDaniel, Gleaner Writer

WALDERSTON, Manchester:

Guardian Life Limited last week officially handed over a link-way and ramp which connect the Spaldings Health Centre to the Percy Junor Hospital.

The health centre which is located on the compound of the hospital, has its main entrance on the busy Spaldings main road.

As a result, patients and staff members were forced to use the thoroughfare to get to the health centre.

They were often traumatised by traffic accidents involving pedestrians who were making their way to the centre.

"For several years, there was no easy physical access between the two facilities," said Senior Medical Officer Dr. Bradley Edwards.

The health centre, although in Manchester, is administered by the Clarendon Health Department because the original site of the Spaldings centre was located in Clarendon.

Arrangement may change

But according to the parish manager of the Manchester Health Department, Yvonne Pitter, this arrangement may soon change, as there is a greater level of dependence on the centre by the hospital than the Clarendon Health Department.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital, Stanhope Scott, says the contribution by Guardian Life shows its commitment to assisting in the process of national development.

And president of Guardian Life, Earl Moore, says his company was pleased to have constructed the link-way between the hospital and the health centre.

He also said the company would continue to assist in the development of institutions, whereever possible.