Residents of Belfield and surrounding communities now have access to a modern, fully equipped primary healthcare facility following the official handing over of the newly reconstructed Belfield Health Centre. The project, a joint investment between the CHASE Fund and the National Health Fund (NHF), replaces a structure that was declared irreparable about a decade ago.
In 2016, severe structural damage led a geotechnical report to deem the original building defective and unsafe for occupancy. While a retrofitted container was previously utilized to maintain essential services for the estimated 12,000 patients served annually, this new 4,227 sq. ft. reinforced concrete facility represents a permanent and comprehensive upgrade for the St. Mary Health Department.
In his remarks to an audience of partners, health centre staff and community members, Omar Frith, Chairman of the CHASE Fund shared the Fund’s role in the development of the Belfield Community Health Centre. “The CHASE Fund is proud and elated to be associated with this massive project in Belfield. When we broke ground, our hope was to remain on schedule and on budget, and I am pleased to see that we have returned for this opening quite quickly. While many recognize CHASE as a funding entity, we work in lockstep with the Government’s national priorities. By aligning our support with these major agendas, we have ensured that the Belfield Health Centre can now provide essential primary healthcare to over 12,000 residents within this community and its surrounding vicinities,” Mr. Frith declared.
The new facility has been designed to meet the rigorous protocols of the Ministry of Health & Wellness. The scope of work included the construction of a slab-roof building featuring:
- Advanced pharmacy services and health records management.
- Dedicated clinician, nursing, and midwifery rooms.
- Modern staff and guest amenities, plus a specialized ICT area.
- Infrastructure improvements including an asphaltic car park, secure fencing, and a perimeter gate.
To ensure uninterrupted service delivery, the project also included a standby generator, backup water storage, and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system.
