New health and wellness centre enhances emergency care for cruise passengers in Ocho Rios
Published:Wednesday | December 18, 2024 | 12:05 AMGareth Davis Sr/Gleaner Writer
ST MARY:
Local officials in St Ann and neighbouring St Mary are expressing their satisfaction with the recent addition of the TSL Health and Wellness Centre at the Island Village Shopping Centre, which now provides a critical health service to address potential emergencies for cruise ship passengers and nearby hotel guests.
Michael Belnavis, Mayor of St Ann’s Bay, personally thanked the management of Island Village for incorporating the centre into the shopping complex, strategically located between Reynold’s Pier and the Ocho Rios Cruise Ship Pier.
He highlighted the significance of having a health facility in such close proximity to the cruise piers, noting the previous challenge of lacking emergency medical services for tourists arriving by sea.
“The lack of an emergency health centre near the cruise piers had always been a concern, especially given the high volume of cruise traffic through Ocho Rios,” Belnavis said.
“With this new facility, we can respond quickly to any emergency, which is critical considering the time it typically takes to reach the St Ann’s Bay Hospital.”
As Chairman of the National Cruise Council (NCC), Belnavis added that cruise line officials are now more comfortable knowing that there is immediate medical assistance available for their passengers, enhancing the overall experience for visitors. The facility, which has been operational for just over a year, is expected to benefit not only cruise tourists but also guests staying at hotels, Airbnb properties, and local residents.
Garfield Dussard, a businessman from Tower Isle, St Mary, echoed these sentiments, noting that the centre would also be beneficial for tourists staying in nearby St Mary accommodations who might find themselves in health emergencies.
QUICK ACCESS TO EMERGENCY SERVICES
Dr Andre Gordon, CEO of TSL Health and Wellness Centre, emphasised the importance of the facility in providing timely medical attention to visitors facing health crises.
“This development is especially significant for cruise and hotel guests who can now receive urgent care in a comfortable, accessible environment, which can save lives and improve their travel experience,” he said.
The health centre offers quick access to emergency services, eliminating the stress of a long journey to the nearest hospital. This has been a longstanding concern for the cruise industry, as medical emergencies often arise during port visits. Guests can now receive immediate care, ensuring their stay in Jamaica remains enjoyable and stress-free.
Andrew Reid, Operations Manager of Island Village Shopping Centre, expressed his pride in having such a professional health facility on-site. “Having TSL Health and Wellness Centre here means we can effectively manage any health-related incidents and ensure the safety and well-being of our visitors,” Reid said.
The Ministry of Tourism has also welcomed the health centre’s strategic location, reinforcing the importance of having emergency services close to the cruise piers.
Delano Seiveright, Chief Strategist and Senior Adviser in the Ministry of Tourism, remarked, “Having this facility nearby ensures we are prepared for any emergency that may arise, providing peace of mind for everyone involved.”
This new addition to the Ocho Rios community is poised to enhance the overall visitor experience, ensuring that tourists can enjoy their stay with greater confidence in their safety and well-being.