Steps are being taken by the St Catherine Parish Council to ease the overcrowding, which exists at the Spanish Town Hospital.

26 people, who are not sick but who have no place to go, reportedly occupy beds at the health facility; some living at the hospital, for up to 5 years.

Chairman of the St Catherine Parish Council and Mayor of Spanish Town, Norman Scott, says an old chapel on the grounds of the Spanish Town Infirmary, is to be renovated to house the 26 individuals.

The renovation works will cost about $8 million.

At the recent meeting of the Parish Council, Mayor Scott encouraged councillors to support the 5k run/walk to be held on Emancipation Day, August 1.

He said all funds collected will go towards the renovation of the old chapel to house people living at the hospital.

The 5k run/walk is being put-on by the Social Development Commission (SDC).