At least four major hospitals in Jamaica have sustained significant damage following the landfall of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa. This was confirmed by the Jamaican Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton.
The powerful storm, which made landfall in New Hope, Westmoreland, around midday on October 28, has severely impacted critical healthcare infrastructure across the island.
The affected hospitals are:
- Noel Holmes Hospital in Hanover
- Black River Hospital in St Elizabeth
- Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James
- Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny
The damage at the Cornwall Regional Hospital was said to be mostly to the nurses’ quarters, which had been converted for other uses. “So they are doing some relocation and in some instances waiting on the rain to relocate others,” Tufton told The Jamaica Gleaner. “A lot is happening and it’s unfolding as we speak, so it’s hard to give specifics,” he added, highlighting the rapidly changing situation.
A press release from the Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness detailed that service delivery at Black River Hospital has been severely disrupted. In response, emergency protocols have been activated. Officials had already relocated some patients as a precautionary measure.
The ministry affirmed it is “actively coordinating with the Southern Regional Health Authority and parish emergency services to stabilise operations.” Despite the significant disruption, health team members are reported to be “working tirelessly to ensure the continued care and safety of all patients,” with ongoing efforts to restore full functionality.
Photos circulating on social media show extensive damage, including a roof reportedly being torn off at the nearby Savanna-la-Mar Hospital in Westmoreland.
Source: The Jamaica Gleaner
