St. Elizabeth Health Dept. Identifies Alternative Locations to Serve Patients

The St. Elizabeth Health Department has begun identifying alternative locations for health services, following the significant damage to several health facilities across the parish by Hurricane Beryl on July 3.

Three major health centres in the southern part of the parish – Southfield Health Centre, Newell Health Centre, and Bellevue Health Centre – suffered extensive roof damage.

This led to severe flooding, which resulted in the destruction of several pieces of equipment and medical supplies.

Despite these challenges, patient care has not been compromised, said Acting Medical Officer of Health for the parish, Dr. Carol Hamilton, during the monthly meeting of the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation in Black River, on Thursday, July 11.

“For Newell Health Centre, we have identified the Barbary Hall Community Centre, and for the Southfield Health Centre and the Bellevue Health Centre, we have identified a location at Kinkead Plaza,” Dr. Hamilton noted.

“So, these will be retrofitted in short order to accommodate the patients, so that they don’t have to go far distances to get services,” she added.

Dr. Hamilton further pointed out that to maintain care of patients from the affected facilities, persons are being redirected to neighbouring health centres, such as the Junction and Black River facilities.

She noted that staff members from the damaged centres have also been temporarily relocated to assist with the increased patient load at these sites.

“Although we’re not at 100 per cent, these facilities have JPS power (electricity), for example the Black River Health Centre. In other facilities, they are in need of electricity and water,” Dr. Hamilton indicated.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, through the St. Elizabeth Health Department, has issued advisory tips to help residents stay safe and healthy during this recovery period.

These guidelines include instructions on boiling water for safe consumption and seeking prompt medical attention for injuries and more.