Westmoreland Health Services Adjust Operations as Facilities Sustain Storm Damage

Public health services across Westmoreland continue to operate through a combination of health-centre services, outreach clinics and international partnerships, despite extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa.

Medical Officer of Health for the parish, Dr. Marcia Graham, said the situation remains fluid as authorities prioritise safety for both patients and staff.

“We cannot offer healthcare in an unsafe environment,” she said, citing mould and structural damage at several facilities.

As a result, some health centres have been closed or partially closed, with services redirected to neighbouring locations.

“Because of this, we have had to stop using George’s Plain Health Centre. Those clients now go to Grange Hill [in the parish],” Dr. Graham explained.

She added that parts of Negril Health Centre have also been closed due to mould, with temporary tents erected to maintain service delivery.

“We are in an evolving situation but we have to make sure it’s a safe space for everyone to work,” she said.

Dr. Graham outlined also the extensive outreach programme now in place across the parish, including clinics at schools, community centres and health-centre compounds where buildings remain unsafe.

“We go with tents, we go with tables, we go with chairs, and we are doing outreach out of those health centres,” she noted.

International partners have also bolstered local capacity, particularly at Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital.

“Team Rubicon has erected some white tents on the lawn of the Hospital… . Those tents are an extension to Savanna-la-Mar Health Centre,” Dr. Graham said.

She added that a field hospital operated by the Barbados Defence Force has enabled the resumption of inpatient and surgical services.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Dr. Graham emphasised that healthcare remains accessible throughout the parish.

“There’s no need for anyone to stay home and think that they don’t have access to healthcare in Westmoreland. We are far, we are wide, and we have other partners who are offering care,” she assured.

She also informed that up to December 10, 28 shelters housing 567 persons remain operational, with health teams continuing regular monitoring.