St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) recently hosted update sessions for staff and neighbors in the immediate surroundings regarding the construction of St. Maarten General Hospital (SMGH).
During the sessions, SMGH Project Manager Erika van der Horst outlined the construction activities and schedule as well as the measures contractor INSO is taking to reduce the effects of hinderances such as a sprinkler system to minimize dust, a wheel-washing facility to prevent mud and dirt from trucks and cars going ending up on the main roads and sound-proofing of in-patient rooms. She also assured attendees that all possible measures were being taken to reduce the inconvenience of the construction of SMGH to patients, staff, neighbors and the environment and gave expected completion dates for construction milestones.
The construction of SMGH is estimated to be completed in 2024 and the new hospital will have 110 in-patient beds, 4 operating theaters, 4 out-patient clusters, a Dialysis clinic with up to 30 positions, a Radiology Department including MRI, a Helicopter Deck, a Pharmacy and Laboratory and sufficient parking. The new hospital will also be able to withstand Category 5 hurricanes (up to 200 mph), sits on base isolators to be able to handle earthquakes with a magnitude scale of 6 on the Richter scale and has solar paneling for the usage and generation of clean, renewable energy.
The main goals of the new hospital project are to assist in the further reduction of off-island referrals and raise the bar for local and regional healthcare by providing quality care close to home. It is also a goal to become a JCI-accredited leading medical institution in the Eastern Caribbean Region.
Individuals and organizations in the immediate surroundings of the existing hospital and the new hospital who wish to be kept abreast on new developments pertaining to the construction are asked to send an email to communications@smmc.sx with their name and address to be added to the stakeholders’ newsletter database.
SMMC apologizes in advance for any inconvenience that the construction of SMGH may cause and count on your understanding and support during the project.