Bustamante Hospital For Children

Bustamante Hospital for Children is a pediatric hospital located in Kingston, Jamaica. It is the only full-fledged pediatric hospital in the English-speaking Caribbean and is named after former Jamaican Prime Minister Sir Alexander Bustamante.

History

The Bustamante Hospital for Children was established in 1963. It was originally named the Kingston Paediatric and Maternity Hospital but was renamed in 1973 in honor of Sir Alexander Bustamante, a champion for the rights of the working class and the first Prime Minister of independent Jamaica.

Services

The hospital provides a wide range of medical services including surgery, radiology, pathology, anesthesia, and emergency medicine. It also offers specialized services such as cardiology, neurology, and endocrinology. The hospital is equipped with a neonatal intensive care unit and a paediatric intensive care unit.

Research and Training

The Bustamante Hospital for Children is also a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of the West Indies. It provides training for medical students, nursing students, and residents in various specialties. The hospital is involved in various medical research projects aimed at improving pediatric care in the Caribbean.

Challenges

Despite its many achievements, the hospital faces several challenges including overcrowding, lack of resources, and a shortage of specialized medical personnel. Efforts are being made to address these issues through partnerships with international organizations and fundraising initiatives.

See Also

• Healthcare in Jamaica
• List of hospitals in Jamaica