SPANISH TOWN, St. Catherine — The Ministry of Health and Wellness has expanded its Family Caregivers Programme to the Spanish Town Hospital, with plans to introduce the initiative across all public healthcare facilities in Jamaica.
The programme, launched at the hospital on July 15, provides a structured framework that allows designated family caregivers to play a supportive role in patient care while hospitalised.
Speaking at the launch, Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton described the initiative as a “game changer” for healthcare delivery, stressing that improving health outcomes requires the involvement of families as well as healthcare professionals.
“Health is everybody’s business and the administration of health is everybody’s business, not just the victim of illness – the patient, not just the doctors and nurses of the hospital but family members must be part of the therapy,” Tufton said.
Under the programme, a designated caregiver is a family member or close friend selected by the patient, or their legal guardian, to provide non-clinical support such as feeding, comfort and emotional care during hospitalisation. Medical treatment remains the responsibility of licensed healthcare professionals.
Spanish Town Hospital is the second facility to implement the programme and the first to include adult patients. The initiative was first introduced at the Bustamante Hospital for Children in Kingston in January.
According to Tufton, 1,053 caregivers have enrolled at Bustamante Hospital, providing care and psychosocial support to more than 737 children.
He said the programme has improved collaboration among healthcare workers, patients and families while enhancing the overall care experience.
The Family Caregivers Programme is expected to be introduced across all public hospitals operated by Jamaica’s Regional Health Authorities (RHAs).
