In the past, tourists or homeowners have travelled to Nassau or nearby Miami for more urgent or serious medical care. Exuma has a clinic, but it can only deliver basic services. However, a new $14 hospital on the main island of Exuma is poised to drastically improve the delivery of care.
Back in April 2012, the National Insurance Board (NIB) and Reef Construction Company Ltd signed a contract to build the community hospital. After a few delays here or there, the actual structure, adorned in bright, traditional Bahamian colors, should be open soon. The construction of a new hospital on Exuma is part of a general push to bolster health care services on the islands. Eleuthera and Long Island, for example, are also in the midst of improving their medical care.
The roughly 32,000-square-foot hospital on Exuma will be outfitted to provide full healthcare services, including dental care, basic surgical needs, lab tests, and emergency services. In addition, two other buildings are in the works: one that will house a morgue and another for mechanical equipment.
This new facility is expected to be a huge benefit for everyone on Exuma.
THERE ARE MANY BENEFITS TO HAVING A HOSPITAL ON GREAT EXUMA
Having a hospital that directly serves the community is great news for everyone. The lack of healthcare services has been a persistent point of concern in the community, as residents and visitors have been forced to travel to Nassau (130 miles away) for any healthcare needs.
Additional Benefits
– When it comes to your health, you just never know. Having a facility nearby, rather than travelling by plane or boat, makes emergency situations far more manageable.
– For Grand Isle owners and those wanting to rent out villas, a full-scale hospital sets the resort apart from others in the region.
– The community as a whole will flourish; a hospital often serves as the stepping-stone to further development and additional facilities.
– The property value of your villa will surely increase, as people will feel relieved to have a hospital so close.
In the months and years to come, this $14 million hospital will be the source of great excitement for tourists and residents of Exuma. In fact, resorts and homeowners on Exuma are looking to hold charitable events to help raise money and help keep the facility in excellent condition.
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