With over a thousand healthcare workers projected to be required at the Western Children and Adolescents Hospital, Health Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton says the government may need to import labour to meet staffing requirements at the facility.

The 220 bed hospital will be the first in the Caribbean dedicated exclusively to paediatrics and adolescents, serving children from birth to 17 years.

With 12 months to go before its expected opening, Dr. Tufton said a comprehensive staffing plan, which includes over 700 nurses, has been submitted to his ministry for review.

Noting challenges acquiring staff locally, Dr. Tufton says the ministry may need to recruit foreign labour.

Dr. Tufton added that some key leaders have already been employed ahead of the hospital’s opening.