Chief Executive Officer of St. Jude Hospital, Lydia Atkins, has commended staff for their innovation and resilience in delivering healthcare services under challenging conditions, while expressing optimism ahead of the institution’s long-anticipated return to its rebuilt home in Augier.
Atkins described the transition as a significant milestone for both staff and patients, noting that the current operations at the George Odlum site were never intended for healthcare delivery.
“It really is for me and the ability to celebrate with the team what is going to be a true homecoming, the ability to transition from the George Odlum site, which, while it has never been a site designed for healthcare delivery, they have been able through innovation to transform it into such,” she said.
She praised the staff’s adaptability, highlighting their efforts to convert a non-medical space into a functioning healthcare facility through resourcefulness and dedication.
Looking ahead, Atkins underscored the advantages of the new Augier hospital, which has been purpose-built to support modern healthcare delivery.
“Being able to go to Augier, which is specifically designed as a hospital, provides us an opportunity, one, to focus on improving the quality of the service that we deliver, but most importantly, to increase the scope of the service delivery,” she explained.
The CEO pointed to expanded diagnostic capabilities as a key improvement, revealing that new technologies will soon be available to patients.
“I had the opportunity yesterday to walk with the team in the radiology department and to see the mammogram machines, the ability now to offer CT scan at St. Jude’s.”
Atkins also emphasized that the new facility has been carefully designed with both patients and staff in mind, ensuring a more supportive and efficient working environment.
“The facility is one that is both patient-centric, in terms of being designed specifically to ensure that quality health care service delivery is able to be done in the space. But it is also staff-centric,” she said.
She added that amenities such as a cafeteria, expanded staff lounges, and even a staff gym will contribute to improved morale and performance.
“It allows for you to have staff who are engaged, who are comfortable, and working in an environment that is conducive to delivering efficiency and quality of care.”
With the transition to Augier on the horizon, hospital officials say the move represents not just a physical relocation, but a transformation in the standard and scope of healthcare services available in the south of the island.