Health Ministry launches programme allowing parents longer stays with children at Bustamante Hospital

Parents of children admitted to the Bustamante Hospital for Children can now remain with them until 10 p.m. daily under a pilot programme launched by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

The ministry said the initiative dubbed 'Family Caregivers’ Pilot Programme' is designed to formally involve parents, guardians, and family members in a child’s healing journey while they are hospitalised, the ministry said in a statement on Monday.

Parents have long complained about restrictions they say prevent them from spending sufficient time with children admitted to the hospital.

Under the programme, parents and guardians who are registered members of the programme will be permitted to remain with their child at the hospital until 10 p.m. throughout the duration of the child’s admission, subject to established guidelines and hospital protocols.

“The launch of the pilot at Bustamante Hospital for Children reflects the Ministry’s commitment to compassionate, patient- and family-centred healthcare. As Jamaica’s leading paediatric institution, Bustamante Hospital provides an ideal setting to assess the impact of greater caregiver involvement on recovery, patient experience, and overall service delivery,” said Dr Christopher Tufton, minister of health and wellness.

“Children heal best when surrounded by care, comfort, and familiarity. This programme strengthens the partnership between healthcare teams and families, empowering caregivers to play an active role in their child’s care while in hospital,” the minister added.

The ministry says it will "closely monitor and evaluate the implementation of the pilot programme, including its impact on patient outcomes, caregiver satisfaction, and operational effectiveness".

The ministry says once the programme demonstrates positive results, it intends to expand the Family Caregiver Programme to additional hospitals across Jamaica, particularly those providing paediatric and neonatal services.

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