PS Addresses Redirection Of Castries Wellness Centre Services

Amid recent criticisms and this week’s opposition United Workers Party (UWP) protest outside the healthcare facility, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health has addressed the closure of the Castries Wellness Centre and the relocation of its services.

The closure occurred on Tuesday 19 December, 2023.

Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Jenny Daniel issued a statement Thursday on the development.

The complete statement appears below:

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs conveys sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused by the temporary redirection of services from the Castries Wellness Centre. Over the years, the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs has remained steadfast in providing high-quality primary health care through our Community Health Nursing Service, supporting individuals, families, and communities in Saint Lucia. 

Despite our best efforts, the Castries Wellness Centre experienced significant structural and situational deterioration over time, leading to hazardous conditions for both clients and staff.

Recognizing the urgent need to safeguard everyone who relies on our services, we made the difficult but necessary decision to redirect services from the Castries Wellness Centre to the La Clery and other nearby Wellness Centres. 

We understand the disruption this may have caused, and we thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to improve our facilities for a safer, stronger healthcare environment.

In our commitment to enhancing health services, the Ministry has been strengthening Primary Care Services nationwide. This strategic focus aims to improve health outcomes and reduce the impact of diseases at both individual and community levels. A key component of this vision is the ongoing transformation of Victoria Hospital into a modern Castries Urban Polyclinic. Once completed, this facility will greatly enrich our health care system and expand service offerings to meet the evolving needs of our community.

The Castries Urban Polyclinic will serve as a central interface connecting satellite Wellness Centres, including Entrepot and Ciceron, with the Millennium Heights Medical Complex. In addition to standard services, the Polyclinic will offer an array of specialized services, including:

• Urgent Care (available on weekends and holidays),  Minor surgical procedures within the Urgent Care Unit,
• The Cuban Eye Care Programme,
• Diabetic Retinopathy Screening and Laser Treatment,  Audiology/Hearing Services,  Dental Services, and more.

These enhancements reflect our ongoing commitment to ensuring that each resident has access to timely, safe, and effective care. While we acknowledge the challenges posed by this transition, we want to reassure you that the health and well-being of the community remain our utmost priority. The Ministry remains dedicated to our mandate to provide accessible, quality care for all, in every community across our island.

Thank you once again for your understanding, patience, and support as we work towards building a more resilient health system. Together, we are making strides toward a healthier future for Saint Lucia.