More than 200 staff members from the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Southern Regional Health Authority are en route western Jamaica today in support of clean-up efforts at some of the facilities that were hard-hit by Hurricane Melissa.

The facilities include:

·      Savanna-la-Mar Hospital in Westmoreland;

·      Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny;

·      Noel Holmes Hospital in Hanover;

·      And Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James.

The health ministry said the team is also visiting the Black River Hospital in St Elizabeth for the installation of a field hospital.

“The diverse team of staff members have volunteered to remove debris from the facilities and to help to deliver care packages, in order to ensure that hospital environments are safe for both patients and staff.

“The day’s clean-up effort is not just about restoring order – it is about rebuilding hope,” stated the Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton.

The Ministry has extended “sincere appreciation to all members of staff who have shown exceptional resilience and commitment in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa”.