When renovation work is completed on the Alexandria Community Hospital in St Ann by the end of this fiscal year, it will be able to accommodate 24-hour, emergency service.

That update was given by North East Regional Health Authority, Nerha, Director Fabia Lamm, during a virtual town hall meeting on Wednesday evening.

It comes just weeks after public outrage, about a patient being unable to access emergency health care at the facility recently, due to it being closed at certain hours.

Lamm stated that the renovation works have already started and should be done within the next 6 to 8 months.

The project will cost government about $380 million.

The regional director outlined that the renovation work will see improvements to the A & E department, and maternity services.

The works also include overhaul of the electrical wiring and erection of security fencing.