Health Ministry, NERHA mourn loss of Tyrone Robinson

COVID-19 continues to take its toll. Now a senior member of Jamaica’s health infrastructure has passed away from COVID-19 complications – a man whom Minister of Health and Wellness Christopher Tufton described this evening as a friend and a “hands-on Chairman,” whose advice and guidance he greatly valued. Here is the Ministry’s press release:

Health Ministry, NERHA mourn loss of Tyrone Robinson

KINGSTON, Jamaica. Saturday, January 2, 2021: Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton is expressing deep sorrow and loss at the news of the passing of Chairman of the North East Regional Health Authority (NERHA), Mr. Tyrone Robinson, JP.

“Mr. Robinson was a visionary leader, who brought his expertise to public health, especially to the north eastern side of the island. We have benefitted tremendously from his leadership and his passion for service. He was very steadfast about improving the infrastructure and aesthetics of our health facilities and used every opportunity to mobilize his strong networking skills and knowledge to garner advocacy and assistance from the private and public sector organizations, non-government organizations, charities, trusts and foundations to advance the NERHA’s vision. I express our deepest condolences to his immediate family and our public health family.” Dr. Tufton said.

Mr. Robinson was appointed Chairman of the NERHA Board in 2016, a position he maintained up to the time of his death. As Chairman, he was deliberate in ensuring that all board members were familiar with all the health facilities managed by the Region, which includes four Public General Hospitals, two Community Hospitals and 70 Health Centres.

NERHA Regional Director, Miss Fabia Lamm has also expressed sadness at the passing of the Board Chairman. “He will long be remembered for this personable character, as at each visit he would ensure there was one on one interaction with the staff members and clients to listen to their recommendations and concerns as to how to improve the service delivery in the region.” Miss Lamm noted.

Through his sterling leadership, the NERHA, over the past four years, has made several achievements, including the expansion of the operating theatres at the St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital; improvements and expansion of the fleet of vehicles (ambulances, vector, utility) across all parishes and health facilities; digitization of the Radiography services at the St. Ann’s Bay Regional, Port Antonio and Annotto Bay Hospitals and the implementation of Customer Service Departments at all hospitals in the region.

Mr. Robinson was being treated for complications related to COVID-19 in Miami, Florida, where he passed away on New Year’s Day, Friday, January 1, 2021.