Work on the new Sickle Cell Unit at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre is moving steadily toward completion, according to an update from the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs. A high-level delegation visited the site on Monday to assess progress and discuss the final steps before the unit becomes fully operational.

The walkthrough was led by Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph, joined by the hospital’s Director, Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, and Head of the Sickle Cell Association, Dr. Edda Hadeed, along with other senior officials. The team reported that the infrastructure is largely in place, with most preparatory work now nearing completion.

During the visit, officials noted that the facility has undergone a full cleaning, the rooms have been newly painted, and beds have already been installed, giving the unit five functional beds at this stage. The new centre is being designed to provide a full range of services for individuals living with sickle cell disease, including acute clinical care, patient education, and family counseling.

Despite the progress, several key steps remain. These include securing essential medical equipment, completing staffing arrangements, and delivering specialized training to ensure that clinical teams are ready to support patients with the highest standard of care.

The Ministry says the project remains on schedule for handover before the end of the year, with preparations continuing to ensure a seamless rollout once the unit opens.

Minister Joseph stressed the importance of keeping the public informed and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening services for individuals affected by chronic and inherited blood disorders.