#EyeOnMelissa: Hospitals in emergency mode, clinics to close early as storm approaches
All public hospitals in Jamaica have entered emergency mode and all clinics will close as of 4:00 pm Thursday as the country braces for Tropical Storm Melissa.
Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton made the announcement at a Jamaica House press briefing earlier Thursday.
He explained that emergency mode means that while hospitals remain open, outpatient services and elective surgeries will be suspended for the time being to allow hospital staff to focus on emergencies.
“Visitations will be limited and family members are asked to pick up their relatives who have been admitted for non-critical reasons,” Tufton said.
He said the respective hospitals will reach out to the family members of persons who should be picked up.
“We have to reserve bed space just in case we need them for emergencies,” Tufton explained.
He said a further update on health centres will be provided on Friday.
