Public health facilities affected by storm

While most health centres and hospitals were operational yesterday, the Maracas/St Joseph Health Centre remained closed for the day because fallen trees made the road to the health centre impassible. The Health Ministry also said there was “an electricity shortage in the area.” The San Raphael Health Centre remained closed yesterday “as access to the facility continues to be a challenge due to the adverse effects of Tropical Storm Bret.” The La Horquetta Health Centre therefore had extended opening hours until 9 pm yesterday “to ensure the delivery of primary care services to persons within the districts of San Raphael and Talparo.” Meanwhile all Outpatient Clinics at the Sangre Grande Hospital and at the San Fernando General and Teaching Hospital “have been suspended for Tuesday only. Hospital staff will contact clients to reschedule appointments.” Chemotherapy treatment appointments scheduled for yesterday and today at the National Radiotherapy Centre, St James Medical Complex, were also suspended.

The ministry said “members of staff of the Centre will contact clients to reschedule appointments.” The roof of a ward at the St Ann’s Psychiatric Hospital, St Ann’s was damaged by a tree which fell during Bret’s passage overnight on Monday.

The ministry said patients on that ward were “quickly relocated to other wards of the hospital.

The tree will be cleared and repairs will begin within a short time frame.” An apology was issued by the ministry for the inconvenience caused. It said the closure and suspended appointments were “necessary to ensure the delivery of quality healthcare services and a safe environment for all.”