The Ministry of Health & Wellness has officially launched its Family Caregivers’ Pilot Programme at the Bustamante Hospital for Children, marking a significant step toward strengthening family-centred care within Jamaica’s public health system.

The Family Caregivers’ Pilot Programme is designed to formally involve parents, guardians, and family members in a child’s healing journey while they are hospitalised. The initiative recognises the vital role that caregivers play in providing emotional support, comfort, and continuity of care - factors that are especially important in paediatric health outcomes.

Under the programme, parents and guardians who are registered members of the programme will be permitted to remain with their child at the hospital until 10:00 p.m. throughout the duration of the child’s admission, subject to established guidelines and hospital protocols. This structured approach ensures that caregivers can provide meaningful non-clinical support while maintaining a safe and well managed clinical environment.