St. Elizabeth Health Department Gets Ready for Hurricane Beryl

The St. Elizabeth Health Department has ramped up its disaster preparedness measures, as Hurricane Beryl is expected to affect the island, today (July 3).

Parish Manager for the St. Elizabeth Health Department, Sean Brissett, outlined to JIS News the comprehensive measures being taken to ensure the safety of patients and the continuity of essential health services.

“Where there are critical infrastructure issues, we address those as quickly as possible. We looked at where possible leaks are and we actually ensure that we provide tarpaulins to cover up furniture, equipment, computers, desktops and more,” Mr. Brissett outlined.

He stated that additional precautions have been taken in the parish hospital, including reviewing oxygen supplies and assessing which patients may be safely discharged to recuperate at home.

This, he added, will free up extra space for potential emergency cases.

Moreover, Mr. Brissett said the health services have ensured that facilities requiring generators are equipped to maintain power supply, particularly for refrigerators storing vaccines and other sensitive medical supplies.

Contingency plans have also been established for the potential relocation of hospital or health centre operations, if necessary.

“We looked at establishing an emergency operations centre (EOC). For that, we have staff rostered directly to that centre and so we continue to monitor the situation across the parish,” Mr. Brissett explained.

He expressed confidence in the parish’s preparedness level, stating that all expected measures within the established protocols have been implemented.

He indicated that all staff members have been fully briefed on the emergency protocols through a series of meetings.