The National Chest Hospital was established in 1940. The hospital has 97 beds and sees approximately 1062 inpatients and 5863 outpatients per year. The Inpatient and Outpatient services offered by the National Chest Hospital include:

• Adult Pulmonology: Diagnosis and definitive management of all diseases of the lung and pleura
• Fibre-optic and rigid bronchoscopy, endobronchial and open lung biopsies
• Pleural biopsies, thoracoscopy (limited), open resection of lung lesions, diagnosis and management of infectious diseases of the lung and pleura (such as tuberculosis, lung abscesses and emphysema)
• Rigid Oesophagoscopy
• Surgical treatment of benign and malignant diseases of the esophagus in adults
• Ambulatory Surgery
• Plastic Surgery
• Outpatient Dermatology
• Pharmacy
• Physiotherapy
• Plain X-ray; Lung function, Electrocardiogram, basic hematology and chemical pathology on blood samples, Mantoux testing

Patients can access services by referral by a private doctor or medical institution or by self-referral to casualty, from Monday to Friday, during the hours of 8:00 am to 4:00pm.

Some special equipment used by the hospital in the delivery of its services include fibre-optic (flexible) and rigid bronchoscope and accessories; rigid oesophagoscope and accessories; Spirometry.

National Chest is the only hospital dedicated to the management of conditions affecting the chest in Jamaica.  NCH treats more than 90% of tuberculosis patients in Jamaica (90 - 110 patients per year) and accepts referrals from overseas. Treatment emphasis is now on rapid diagnosis and management of chest conditions with shorter length of stay in the hospital.

The immediate priority needs of the National Chest Hospital are listed below:

• Arterial blood gas machine
• Fibre-optic (flexible) oesophagoscope and light source
• Thoracoscope and equipment for thoracoscopic surgery (video assisted preferable)
• X-ray machine with fluoroscopy
• Esophageal manometer;  nebulizers
• Pulse oximeters
• End tidal CO2 monitor
• Portable sphygmomanometers
• Anesthetic machine
• Sputum cups
• Commodes for the elderly
• Step-on stool
• Computers and printers for research and administration
• Fax machine

To contact National Chest Hospital regarding donation of these items, please contact the hospital CEO by e-mailing nch@cwjamaica.com.

Other Contact Information for National Chest Hospital:

• Blood Collection Centre: (876) 702-3513
• Laboratory: (876) 977-7131, 977-2853
• Residences: (876) 977-9654, 702-3496, 702-3509

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