While such transformation requires infrastructure, software, and policy, its true success depends on people who are willing to adapt, learn, and guide others. Among the many staff navigating this new digital landscape, Sophia Lothan, an Electronic Records Technician, quickly emerged as one of SERHA’s Top Change Champions of 2025, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

When the EHR was first introduced, many felt overwhelmed, unsure of how to navigate this unfamiliar system. But for Sophia, the introduction sparked curiosity rather than fear. With encouragement and ongoing support from Dr. Hines and Dr. Barwise, she began exploring beyond what was taught testing features, troubleshooting errors, and uncovering hidden functions that would eventually become essential to daily operations. “Initially, we learned the basics of the system,” she shared, “but the more I explored, the more I realized just how powerful the system was and how much the system could really do.” That curiosity grew into competence, and competence evolved into leadership.

Rooted in her respect for data integrity, Sophia embraced the core digital-health principle: garbage in, garbage out. She took ownership of ensuring that the information entered into the system was accurate and reliable, understanding that a high-performing EHR depends on quality input. She implemented the practice of ending referrals once patients were discharged to protect confidentiality, redesigned the printed face sheet so only demographic information appeared, mastered the system’s search tools to improve accuracy, corrected discharge errors, merged duplicate records, updated demographic data, and carried out dozens of essential tasks that strengthened both workflow and patient safety.

Through constant exploration, she discovered buried features like the hospital-visit history within the clinical tree-what she jokingly calls “one of the best things since sliced bread.” She mastered linking babies born outside the hospital to their mothers’ records, adding alerts to patient profiles, creating appointment rotas, updating pregnancy history, tracking patient flow between departments, scanning and uploading results from tablets, and recovering patient data that was not immediately visible. Her skill touches nearly every step of the patient-flow process, making her one of SERHA’s most knowledgeable EHR operators.

But what truly elevates Sophia is not only what she learned, but how she shared it. Her expertise quickly became a resource for her facility, then the wider SERHA region. She supported staff across multiple facilities, solving problems, building confidence, and offering practical guidance whenever challenges arose. She also led a monthly Change Champion Circle, teaching workarounds, demonstrating advanced system features, and empowering other change agents. Through this medium her leadership reached beyond SERHA as she shared her knowledge with staff from other regions as well, strengthening Jamaica’s wider EHR rollout.

Sophia also plays a key role as a liaison and advocate with the EHR team, working closely with Dr. Hines and Dr. Barwise to improve system usability. She regularly identifies issues, recommends enhancements, and provides real-time feedback based on her deep understanding of how staff actually interact with the system. Her insights have informed better workflows, improved consistency, and helped shape refinements that benefit users across the health service. She has become one of the EHR team’s most reliable feedback partners, able to translate user challenges into clear, practical recommendations for improvement.

Her journey highlights a powerful truth: technology alone does not transform a health system; it is the people who do. For the EHR, and the wider Health System Strengthening Programme (HSSP), to succeed and remain sustainable, Jamaica needs champions who step up, buy in, change their behaviours, demonstrate ownership, support others, and commit to continuous improvement. Sophia is one of those champions. She reminds us that the sustainability of the EHR depends on people who understand that every clean data entry, every correction, every solved problem, and every shared skill contributes to improved patient care and a stronger, more resilient health system.

Within SERHA, Sophia is known as the one who “figures it out,” the person who “makes the EHR make sense,” and the “change champion we didn’t know we needed.” Her colleagues rely on her, her region celebrates her, other regions learn from her, and the national rollout is stronger because of her contributions. She is not just an Electronic Records Technician; she is a trailblazer, a teacher, an advocate, and one of the brightest examples of what true change leadership looks like.

And she is just getting started.

Asked what keeps her motivated, Sophia smiles with the kind of quiet confidence that only comes from mastery. “The system is powerful, more powerful than most people realize,” she says. “Every day I find something new that makes the work easier, faster, or more accurate. I know there are still hidden gems in there, and I can’t wait to discover them. The more we learn it, the stronger our healthcare system becomes.”

For Sophia, the EHR is not just a tool, it is a world of possibility. And with her passion, curiosity, and leadership, that world will only continue to expand.

As Jamaica continues to expand the EHR nationally, it will be champions like Sophia Lothan who make the system sustainable, effective, and transformative. Her leadership, quiet yet powerful, proves that meaningful change happens when people lean in with curiosity, courage, and commitment.

By Cordell Williams-Graham

Change Management Specialist, HSSP

This is the latest update from Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, who welcomed the progress as he toured the facility today.

The construction teams have completed site preparation, demolition, and foundation works, with the main structural elements now in place, including walls and columns. Roofing works are approximately 75 per cent complete, while internal works have advanced to rough casting and rendering, with ceiling installation nearing completion.

Engineering services such as electrical, plumbing, sanitation, and fire safety systems, is currently underway and approximately 35 per cent complete. The next phase will focus on tiling, painting, and the installation of windows and doors, as well as landscaping and retrofitting with tools and medical equipment.

When completed, the expanded health centre will offer a wide range of services, including laboratory services, X-ray, oral rehydration, isolation facilities, treatment and procedure rooms, an asthma bay, diabetic retinopathy screening, and physiotherapy services with dedicated examination and exercise rooms.

Support spaces will include administrative offices, staff lounges, training rooms, a conference room, and nurses’ stations to support both service delivery and workforce development.

The tour was attended by key stakeholders including Mr Aniceto Rodriguez Ruiz, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union in Jamaica, whose organisation is the primary funder of the construction works through an EU investment grant. The expansion project is being delivered under the Health Systems Strengthening

Programme (HSSP) as part of a broader initiative to modernise Jamaica’s public health infrastructure.

This health centre expansion represents an estimated investment of JMD 660 million, with construction funded primarily through the European Union grant, and additional

support from the Government of Jamaica for furniture, equipment, and sewage works. Construction is being carried out by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

Once finished, the expansion will upgrade the existing facility from a Type 3 to a Type 5 comprehensive health centre, which indicates a significant increase in service capacity.

This will improve healthcare delivery in the Greater Portmore area and reduce pressure on nearby hospital, such as Spanish Town Hospital.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, welcomed the progress, as he gave an update on a tour of the facility today.

“So far, the team has finished preparing the site and building the foundation. The main structure is now up, with walls and columns in place,” Tufton said. “The team has finished preparing the site and building the foundation. The main structure is now up, with walls and columns in place. Work has also started on the plumbing and electrical systems, and the roof is 60 per cent complete. The team will now be moving to begin tiling work, and completing the timber roofs.”

The Minister added that finishes, including rendering and plastering, are in progress. “After this, the team will commence activities like the installation of windows and doors, painting, landscaping, and so on,” he told reporters on location.

The project remains on schedule for completion in the first half of this year. Once construction is finished, the HSSP and South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) teams will oversee retrofitting the facility with staff, furniture, modern medical tools, and the Electronic Health Records (EHR) system, e-Care.

Located on East Street in Old Harbour, the 2,000-square-metre facility will replace the existing Type 3 centre that has outgrown its space. The new centre will be equipped to serve up to 10,000 patients per month, offering a wide range of primary healthcare services, including pharmacy, laboratory, ECG, phlebotomy, X-ray, physiotherapy, and screenings for ophthalmology and audiometry. It will also feature dedicated areas for dentistry, mental health, and maternal and child health services.

The project represents an investment of almost JMD 1 billion, covering construction, medical equipment, furniture, and an on-site wastewater treatment plant.

Funding for the construction is primarily provided through the European Union’s grant to the HSSP, while sewage works, furniture and equipment are being procured through the Government of Jamaica investment.

The project, which is being carried out under the Health Systems Strengthening Programme (HSSP),  has successfully concluded Phase Two of the foundation works, and work is now advancing to the construction of the ground and first floors, which are expected to be completed by the beginning of the new year.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr the Hon. Christopher Tufton, toured the site and expressed confidence in the continued progress.

“So far, the team has completed the second phase of the foundation, which paves the way for vertical construction to begin,” the Minister remarked. “The foundation is a very large and complex structure that has required multiple steps over the last year, such as excavation, compaction, termite treatment, steel work, waterproofing, and several concrete pours to ensure the highest quality footing for this massive building.”

He continued: “Now that we’re fully out of the ground and advancing to the construction of the ground floor and first floor, we expect to see walls going up rapidly for the rest of this year and throughout 2026.”

Upon completion, the new six-storey building will house a range of modern clinical and diagnostic services, including an Accident and Emergency wing, radiology (MRI, CT, X-ray), outpatient services, operating theatres, specialty wards, and the integrated electronic health records (EHR) system, e-Care, that is being piloted under HSSP.

Orett Clarke, Programme Manager for the HSSP, noted that the project team has put stringent measures in place to mitigate noise and dust pollution, and will continue to do so as works progress.

Representatives from the management team at Spanish Town Hospital and other key stakeholders in attendance confirmed that so far there have been no major disruptions to traffic or the Hospital’s operations since the beginning of construction, and are hoping to continue on the same trajectory for the remainder of the project.

The redevelopment is valued at approximately JMD 5.5 billion, and is being funded through the HSSP via allocations from the Government of Jamaica, with oversight and support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

This project is one of four facilities in St Catherine under HSSP, along with the development of three comprehensive health centres: Old Harbour, Greater Portmore, and St Jago Park. Construction works at these three health centres are all on track for completion next year, with Old Harbour currently being the furthest advanced at 52 per cent complete.

Programme Manager for the HSSP, Orett Clarke, welcomed the progress, as he gave an update on the facility today.

“So far, the team has finished preparing the site and building the foundation. The main structure is now up, with walls and columns in place,” Clarke said. “Work has also started on the plumbing and electrical systems, and the roof is about 60 per cent complete.”

Clarke added that finishes, including rough casting and rendering, have started. “After this, the team will commence activities like the installation of windows and doors, painting, landscaping, and so on,” he said.

The project remains on schedule for completion in the first half of next year. Once construction is finished, the HSSP and South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) teams will oversee retrofitting the facility with staff, furniture, modern medical tools, and the Electronic Health Records (EHR) system, e-Care.

Located on East Street in Old Harbour, the 2,000-square-metre facility will replace the existing Type 3 centre that has outgrown its space. The new centre will be equipped to serve up to 10,000 patients per month, offering a wide range of primary healthcare services, including pharmacy, laboratory, ECG, phlebotomy, X-ray, physiotherapy, and screenings for ophthalmology and audiometry. It will also feature dedicated areas for dentistry, mental health, and maternal and child health services.

The project represents an investment of almost JMD 1 billion, covering construction, medical equipment, furniture, and an on-site wastewater treatment plant.

Funding for the construction is primarily provided through the European Union’s grant to the HSSP, while sewage works, furniture and equipment are being procured through the Government of Jamaica investment.

When people think of a digital health system, the immediate assumption is often paperless. However, for most health systems, especially those in transition, the reality is something closer to less paper. As we navigate the journey of digital transformation in healthcare, it’s important to manage expectations and focus on the tangible steps being taken toward that end goal.

Digital transformation, particularly through the implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHR), is not just about eliminating paper. It’s about reimagining how information is captured, stored, accessed, and used to improve patient care, operational efficiency, and decision-making. The EHR offers numerous benefits: faster retrieval of information, improved accuracy, reduced duplication, greater security, and the ability to support integrated care across departments and regions.

Just a year ago, health records departments across the system were overwhelmed with physical files—one for every single patient interaction, every visit, every referral. This created logistical nightmares and delays in care delivery. Fast forward to today: the only documents that remain on paper are those requiring a wet signature from the patient. Even these are promptly scanned into the digital system, reducing physical storage needs and improving access to information when it matters most.

What we are witnessing is not the end of paper, but the beginning of transformation. The process of shifting from paper-heavy to digitally driven workflows is well underway. And while some manual processes remain, they are becoming the exception rather than the norm. This hybrid model is a necessary and realistic phase in the journey to full digital maturity.

So, what’s the answer to the question? It’s less paper for now, and paperless on the horizon. How quickly we get there will depend on how smoothly we manage the transition—investing in infrastructure, training, change management, and continuous improvement. The EHR is a powerful enabler, but the real transformation lies in how we use it to rethink care, not just reduce clutter.

by Cordell Williams Graham

HSSP Change Management Specialist

Email: Change@mohw.gov.jm

The equipment, which includes Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) machines used for dental and facial x-rays, and handheld ultrasound devices, are valued at approximately JM$ 69.5 million. They were handed over to representatives from the respective Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) in a short ceremony at the St Ann’s Bay Health Centre.

During the ceremony, Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr the Honourable Christopher Tufton, noted the strategic importance of the investment:

“This handover is a key component of a broader and forward-looking health infrastructure project; one that represents a holistic and strategic investment in the future of healthcare across the country.”

In addition to providing the equipment, the HSSP also funded approximately JM$11 million in preparatory works to retrofit and prepare the facilities to house the CBCT units. This work included structural improvements, electrical work, and shielding installation to meet international safety standards.

St Ann’s Bay Health Centre in St Ann, Greater Portmore Health Centre in St Catherine, and May Pen West Health Centre in Clarendon, each received a CBCT machine, two viewing stations, a mini PACS server, and a handheld ultrasound device.

Additionally, St Jago Park Health Centre in St Catherine received two viewing stations, a mini PACS server and a handheld ultrasound, while Mocho Health Centre in Clarendon received a handheld ultrasound device.

The CBCT machines and associated equipment have already been installed in the designated health facilities, and the staff members trained in the operations and care of the machines.

The equipment purchase was funded using a portion of the JM $1.8 billion investment from the European Union into the HSSP. They were provided and installed by CEDI Europe, a global provider of healthcare infrastructure solutions, in collaboration with their local partner Medical Link Jamaica.

All receiving RHAs—North East (NERHA), South East (SERHA), and Southern (SRHA)—were represented at the event by senior technical officers who formally received the handheld ultrasound devices on behalf of their teams.

In his welcome, Dr Yadrian Fernández Ayala, Consultant Dental Surgeon in the St Ann Health Department, spoke of the growing need for modern diagnostic tools and expressed appreciation for the EU’s support through the HSSP.

Her Excellency Dr Erja Askola, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Jamaica, also attended the event, reaffirming the EU’s continued partnership in strengthening Jamaica’s healthcare system.

The ceremony concluded with a tour of the upgraded dental department at the St Ann’s Bay Health Centre, where the new equipment will immediately be integrated into service delivery.

A $642-million development project at the May Pen Hospital in Clarendon has been hailed by stakeholders as a forward-thinking and transformative investment in the region’s healthcare infrastructure.

Last Friday, ground was officially broken and contracts signed for the construction of a new outpatient department (OPD) building, being developed by the Ministry of Health and Wellness through its Health Systems Strengthening Programme (HSSP). The project, to be executed by Jiangsu Zhenhuai Construction Group Co Ltd, is expected to be completed within 16 months following the contractor’s mobilisation to the site.

Eugena Clarke-James, chief executive officer of the hospital, described the project as a testament to the facility’s commitment to delivering “exceptional service” to the people of Clarendon and surrounding parishes.

Edith Chin, custos rotulorum for Clarendon, also lauded the initiative.

“There are times in the life of a parish when we witness steps being taken that will strengthen the fabric of our community, and this afternoon is one such time.”

Chin continued, “What we celebrate here today is a commitment to better care, greater access, and a stronger health system. The construction of the new outpatient department reflects a forward-thinking investment in the lives of our people, and a clear path to improved service delivery.”

The new facility will offer a wide range of services, including general consultations, specialist clinics, cardiology, laboratory services, and minor procedures. The 2,040 square metre structure has been designed to enhance patient flow, improve comfort, and support more efficient delivery of care.

Wayne Chen, chairman of the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA), described the expansion as a long-awaited dream.

“This hospital – a Type-C hospital – serves people in St Catherine, St Ann, Manchester, and that is a testament to the work of the staff here who have worked under very constrained circumstances for a very long time,” said Chen, adding that the current infrastructural design of the hospital was not conducive to the kind of pressure to which it is exposed.

He also noted the hospital’s workforce had grown significantly, from 2,000 employees in 2016 to more than 3,000 full-time staff in 2025 — a feat he posits as a clear indication of the facility’s expanding role in the regional health system.

Under the HSSP, the new OPD will also support digital transformation in healthcare, featuring structured information technology and server rooms to facilitate electronic health records (EHR). The building will include accessible features such as lifts and wheelchair-friendly restrooms, in addition to a staff lounge, changing rooms, a conference room, and other staff amenities.

Orett Clarke, HSSP’s project coordinator, noted that extensive groundwork had already been done to prepare for the development — including perimeter fencing, relocation of the main entrance, and infrastructure upgrades to the hospital’s sewage network.

“We also upgraded the sewage network on the compound to ensure that this new building will start on solid, modern infrastructure without causing disruption to existing systems,” Clarke said.

Among the attendees was 2025 Miss Clarendon Festival Queen, Rhaveen Kildare, a third-year medical student, who expressed optimism about the project.

Ground has been broken for the construction of a brand-new, state-of-the-art Brown’s Town Health Centre in St. Ann, signalling a major step forward in the Government’s efforts to modernise Jamaica’s primary health care infrastructure.

The project is expected to cost approximately $1 billion.

In preparation for the construction, services at the Brown’s Town Health Centre were temporarily relocated in March, to the Brown’s Town Community College campus in Huntley.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony held on Friday (June 27), Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, described the development as transformative for the town and the wider parish.

“This building here is going to be demolished totally. We’re going to extend the landmass further beyond the fence and when it’s completed, you’re going to have a comprehensive facility with more space, more doctors, more nurses, diagnostic services, [and] pharmacy. It’s just going to be a beautiful facility,” he stated.

The project forms part of the Government’s Health Systems Strengthening Programme (HSSP), which is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the European Union (EU), and the Government of Jamaica.

Under the programme, 13 health facilities island-wide are being upgraded or newly constructed to deliver expanded and improved services.

Dr. Tufton commended the collaborative efforts of stakeholders, including Member of Parliament for St. Ann Northwestern, Krystal Lee, the St. Ann Municipal Corporation, and the North-East Regional Health Authority (NERHA).

“It’s a real good day for health care in this parish and in this particular town. We ask the community to just give support. Good things [are happening] in public health — we just need to continue the course until we get completion,” he emphasized.

Once completed, the modern centre will offer enhanced primary care, including laboratory and diagnostic services, expanded staffing, a fully equipped pharmacy, and support for electronic health records — a major component of the HSSP.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton on Friday (June 27) broke ground for the construction of the new $818.5 million Ocho Rios Health Centre in St. Ann.

The contract for the construction of state-of-the-art facility, under the Health Systems Strengthening Programme (HSSP), was also signed by Minister Tufton and Cenitech Engineering Solutions Limited.

It is expected that work will commence in short order and construction is projected to last 16 months.

The new facility will span approximately 2,285 square metres and will significantly expand health services in the area.

When completed, the health centre will offer improved services such as ultrasound, dentistry, laboratory services, mental health care, curative care and improved maternal and child health.

It will also provide a more comfortable and efficient environment for both patients and medical staff.

In his remarks, Dr. Tufton said the parish is experiencing unprecedented levels of development, not only in health, but also in housing, roads, water, education, and sanitation.

“An $800 plus million health centre means a proper [facility]. It is new and different, it is high tech with all of the features, and it means, therefore, better service for the people on the ground. In addition to that, it means more doctors, more nurses, and more services. Now that is a very positive thing,” he stated.

The Minister further informed that over the past five years, the government has allocated $3 billion, for the development of health infrastructure in the parish.

He said this includes several projects that have already been completed or are currently underway.

“I think it’s important for the public to get a perspective on all the [health centres] that we have spent resources on. So, we have spent resources on Claremont where have spent $17 million to do a lot of different upgrades, Steer Town with more than $10 million spent, Moneague with $22 million, St. Ann’s Bay Health Centre with $124 million, Brown’s Town with $84 million and the St. Ann’s Bay Health Department, which we opened recently, with $400 million,” Dr. Tufton said.

Other major projects included the Regional Health Maintenance Unit, which received $97 million, St. Ann’s Bay Hospital, which received over $150 million in improvements, Alexandria Hospital with $380 million in upgrades, and the Bamboo health centre with $60 million in development.

In the meantime, Board Chairman of the North East Regional Health Authority (NERHA), Laura Heron, pointed out that these projects are integral components of the HSSP’s mission to modernize and expand healthcare services.

She noted that the programme has been critical in enhancing service delivery, training and access to medical care in the region.

“As we embark on this new phase, we reaffirm our shared goal to building a resilient health system that can withstand challenges, adapting to emerging needs and delivering high quality care to every Jamaican,” Mrs. Heron said.

For his part, Mayor of St. Ann’s Bay, Councillor Michael Belnavis, welcomed the investment, which he linked directly to the parish’s rapid growth.

He said St. Ann is currently producing more development than any other parish in Jamaica, even surpassing growth rates seen elsewhere in the Caribbean.

As such, Mr. Belnavis said this rapid development has created an urgent need for robust infrastructure to support the influx of new residents and visitors to the parish.

“Thank you [the Ministry] so much for taking St. Ann under your wings and providing us with necessary support. The people of St. Ann are grateful because you have done so much,” the Mayor indicated.

In addition to the Ocho Rios project, ground was also broken for the new $789 million Brown’s Town Health Centre.