The remarkable history of the hospital dates back to the 18th century when the site of the hospital was an auction ground for slaves, and then in the early 19th century when the Royal British Army built barracks there to house their men. These barracks are now two of the main wards (male and female wards) at the hospital. But there is more! By 1856 the premises became the first site for Munro College (then Munro and Dickenson Trust). The college relocated in 1857 and sometime later our very own Black River Hospital came into being.

Located in south western St, Elizabeth, Black River Hospital is on the western side of the town of Black River, facing the Caribbean sea.

This Type C hospital, which is part of the Southern Regional Health Authority, meets the health care needs of the citizens of              St. Elizabeth and those from the neighbouring parishes of the St. James, Manchester and Westmoreland, an estimated catchment population of more than 180, 000.

Though officially registered as a ninety seven bed facility, due to the demand for the service and the expansion of the specialist services, our bed count now stands at 150 beds. We also have an average monthly occupancy rate of 153%. More than 6000 admitted patients and more than 30,000 outpatients utilize our services annually.

A team of doctors, nursing personnel, diagnostic, therapeutic and other team members provide quality health care within the limited resources, whilst maintaining high ethical standards.

Services Offered

• General Surgery
• Internal Medicine
• Obstetric & Gynaecology
• Paediatric Services
• Ophthalmology
• Psychiatry
• Accident and Emergency Service (24-hour)
• Outpatient Clinics (All specialities)
• Once monthly sickle cell and nutrition clinics are offered by; the University of the West Indies and the Regional Dietician respectively.

The Black River Hospital team is committed to cultivating an innovative practice environment through clinical expertise, consultation, clinical leadership, continuing education and evidence based practice, thus improving patient outcome.