Portland Residents Urged to Reschedule Clinic Appointments After Hurricane Melissa Disruptions

Portland residents who missed clinic appointments due to the passage of Hurricane Melissa are being urged to take immediate steps to reschedule, as parish health services continue recovery efforts following weather-related disruptions.

Speaking during the Portland Municipal Corporation’s recent monthly meeting in Port Antonio, Medical Officer of Health for the parish, Dr. Sharon Lewis, reported that the Category Five hurricane significantly disrupted clinic operations, with many appointments postponed due to uncertainties surrounding the system’s arrival.

This disruption was compounded by the loss of electricity and challenges to the water supply.

“Persons who missed their scheduled appointments because of the hurricane are therefore being accommodated as best as is possible at their health centres during the month of November,” Dr. Lewis said.

“All persons who missed their appointments are being asked to visit your nearest health centre by 8:30 in the mornings to discuss your situation with the staff of the clinic to which you’re attached, to determine if you can be seen that day or be given a new appointment,” she added.

Persons may also contact the Portland Health Department at 876‑676‑7858 or 876‑993‑2873 to be transferred to their respective clinic, where staff members will assist with scheduling new appointments.

Overall, Dr. Lewis reported that during the hurricane, the Portland Health Services activated and managed its emergency operations centre, working in close collaboration with the Portland Municipal Corporation and other disaster response agencies.

“We were able to monitor the situation with the 60 or more shelters which were activated, and to respond to urgent health situations,” the Medical Officer stated.

Counselling support was provided to individuals who were temporarily displaced from their homes and experienced difficulty coping.

Only one of the Health Department’s facilities sustained damage during the hurricane—the Katus Blakey Dental Clinic.

“It had roof damage. However, it is currently in the hands of a contractor who was already doing repairs on the building… so services are not really being affected at that facility,” Dr. Lewis said.