Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has sought to defend the one billion-dollar expansion project at the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital in Westmoreland.

Under the three-phased project, which is slated to start later this year, upgrades will be executed on the Accident and Emergency Department.

The 29,500 square foot expansion is designed to better serve residents of Westmoreland, with trauma rooms, recovery wards, CT and x-ray scans, physiotherapy, clinics and more comfortable waiting areas.

Speaking at the project’s unveiling ceremony on the hospital’s grounds yesterday, Dr. Tufton sought to address those who might want to question its timing.

In recent weeks, the Government has been criticised, especially by the Opposition, over the number of ribbon cutting or groundbreaking ceremonies being conducted ahead of the General Election, due later this year.

Dr. Tufton explained that the risk profile of Westmoreland residents is more severe when compared to past years, so the Government is ensuring that health services meet the current demand.

He also noted that the plans for the hospital’s expansion project commenced over a year ago.