MP Jansen-Webster briefs Minister Connor on hospital progress, possible further delays

GREAT BAY--Chair of Parliament’s Committee of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, VSA, MP Veronica Jansen-Webster briefed Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Claret Connor on Friday, August 14, on the Committee’s findings following its visit to the new St. Maarten General Hospital, including progress on the facility, preparations for its eventual opening and concerns that completion could face further delays.

Jansen-Webster met with Connor one day after eight members of Parliament’s VSA Committee toured the St. Maarten Medical Center and received a detailed update on the hospital project.

During the briefing, Connor was informed that the project extends beyond construction of the hospital building and includes significant preparations for the facility’s eventual commissioning and operation. These include staff training, professional certification and preparations for international accreditation.

Connor welcomed the focus on developing the hospital’s human resources, noting that continued training and internationally recognized standards are consistent with his wider vision for strengthening human capital across St. Maarten’s service industries.

However, the Minister also expressed concern about the prospect of further delays to the project.

According to planning information presented to Parliament, completion of the main hospital building is currently projected for June 30, 2027, with the transition into the new facility expected to begin during July and August 2027. The Committee was also advised that additional delays are anticipated and could push completion and the move into the hospital back by several months, potentially to December 2027.

The timelines remain dependent on several factors, including ongoing settlement discussions, the hurricane season and other project-related matters.

“The people of Sint Maarten understandably look forward to the opening of this modern healthcare facility,” Connor said. “While everyone appreciates that a project of this magnitude presents complex technical and logistical challenges, delays inevitably create uncertainty regarding the move-in schedule and the date on which patients can begin receiving care in the new hospital. It is therefore important that the public continues to receive timely and transparent updates.”

The VSA Committee conducted its official visit to SMMC on Thursday, August 13, where members were welcomed by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Felix Holiday and members of the hospital’s management team.

St. Maarten General Hospital Project Manager Henk de Zeeuw provided the Committee with an update on construction progress, project planning, procurement and preparations for the transition into the new hospital. The presentation also outlined work underway to ensure staff are trained and certified and that the institution is prepared to operate according to international standards from the start of service.

The parliamentary delegation was subsequently guided through the hospital by Erika van der Horst, who provided information about its departments and medical infrastructure.

Once completed, the new hospital is expected to have 104 inpatient beds, four operating theatres, expanded dialysis services, MRI capability, a helicopter platform and infrastructure designed to allow the facility to operate independently for up to seven days following a disaster.

Jansen-Webster said the visit demonstrated that SMMC’s preparations are focused not only on completing the physical facility, but also on ensuring the institution has trained professionals ready to deliver care.

“The Committee left encouraged by what we observed. We saw a project that is steadily taking shape and a management team that is equally focused on preparing its people. A world-class hospital requires both world-class infrastructure and world-class professionals.”

Connor and Jansen-Webster have agreed to continue monitoring the progress of the St. Maarten General Hospital project and to provide the public with updates as significant milestones are reached.

“The new St. Maarten General Hospital is a national investment that belongs to the people of this country. Parliament and Government share the responsibility of ensuring that the project reaches completion successfully and that the public remains informed throughout the process.”

The VSA Committee thanked Dr. Holiday, De Zeeuw, Van der Horst and the SMMC management team for providing Parliament with information and access during the visit.

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