Bustamante Hospital launches programme to reduce patient waiting time

The Bustamante Hospital for Children has become the latest health facility to launch the Reduction in Patient Waiting Time Programme.  
  
The initiative seeks to reduce the time patients spend waiting to see the doctor at accident and emergency departments of public health facilities.
  
Health Minister Christopher Tufton, said under the pilot programme, implemented in September, the Bustamante Hospital has hired additional staff as well as added a third shift.
  
He said so far, there has been a 40 per cent reduction in the waiting time for patients at the facility.
  
Meanwhile, the Health Minister said the Jamaican Government will spend almost $350 million to implement the Reduction in Patient Waiting Time Programme at seven hospitals across the island. 
   
They include the Kingston Public Hospital as well as the Spanish Town and Cornwall Regional hospitals.  
   
Dr. Tufton said the ministry has rearranged its budget to make this possible.