By Kimone Witter
Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton is optimistic that a section of the main building at Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James will be occupied before the end of this year.
Work on the second phase of the renovation is close to completion.
This phase is to correct structural defects and reinforce the building.
Dr. Tufton said the project is being closely monitored and remains on track.
"They are covering areas that weren't covered before, [putting in] a new roof generally, reinforcing so no leakage and adding new windows and so on, and cleaning up the facade around the building and the external surface," he shared.
But the Health Minister explained that the final phase of the project will be more complex and will involve putting in the ward, accident and emergency as well as administrative spaces.
The hospital will also get brand new diagnosic equipment.
Dr. Tufton said the final phase should begin about March.
