Hospitals Under Stress from Road Crashes

Drivers are being implored to take extra care on the roads during the holiday season to prevent crashes that could land them in hospital with severe injuries.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, made the call while addressing the end-of-year press conference at the Ministry in Kingston on Thursday (December 15).

He said that hospitals come under “serious stress” during December, which is one of the worst months for road crashes.

He noted that while the season should bring joy to families, it is also causing pain and suffering because “loved ones lose their lives and limbs and end up in the hospitals; that is the reality”.

Dr. Tufton said that on a recent visit to the Savanna-la-Mar General Hospital in Westmoreland, it was reported to him that 80 per cent of the male surgical ward was occupied by persons involved in bike crashes “with multiple broken limbs, and 95 per cent of them were not wearing helmets”.

“When you come into these situations it is the hospitals that have to respond, and we try our best but it does create a significant backlog,” he noted.

Dr. Tufton said there is also a critical link between road accidents and substance use.

He cited a recent survey conducted by the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA), which indicates that one in every six males and one in every 17 females admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, noting that usage tends to increase during the festive season.

He appealed for persons of all ages to “make an effort to obey the road traffic signs, rules and speed limits” and for those attending parties, especially those who drink, to appoint a designated driver.

“It works because that may result in a safe arrival. Do not operate a mobile telephone or device while driving. Let us try and make December a month of focus… wear a seat belt in your vehicle and a helmet when you ride,” the Minister urged.

He disclosed that in the new year, the NCDA will be undertaking a survey surrounding substance abuse, with a focus on alcohol use.

Dr. Tufton noted that the objective is to generate national discussion towards a policy and, if necessary, review of legislation to address the issue.