#TurksandCaicos, September 21, 2017 – Providenciales – Due to imminent weather conditions from Hurricane Maria, and recent damages sustained from Category 5 Hurricane Irma, a number of changes to service provisions will take effect as both medical centres operate under emergency mode.
Cockburn Town Medical Centre:
Following a durability assessment of recent temporary roof repairs against hurricane force winds, patients will be relocated from Cockburn Town Medical Centre on Grand Turk as a safety precautionary measure. Patient safety is our number one priority. The assessment examined the strength and potential durability of provisional roof repairs conducted post-Irma, and their reliability level against atmospheric elements associated with powerful hurricanes.
Patients from Cockburn Town Medical Centre, especially high-risk patients, will be transferred overseas for alternative care. These include dialysis patients on Grand Turk. Expectant mothers, 36 weeks gestation and over, will also be transferred to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre or an alternative regional healthcare facility. TCI Hospital in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Board secured travel arrangements prior to the closure of the Providenciales International Airport.
The Emergency Department at Cockburn Town Medical Centre will remain open as long as weather conditions permit. A full contingent of consultants, emergency room physicians and nurses will remain on standby in Grand Turk to provide emergency medical care following the passage of the storm. Personnel from the British Military will support the contingent and render technical support to assist in the resumption of services after the storm.
Cheshire Hall Medical Centre:
Similar to the steps followed during the previous storm, limited clinics currently in operation at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Outpatient Department will be closed until further notice. Appointments including elective surgeries will remain postponed. Essential hospital staff will remain onsite until the passage of the storm. Non-essential staff members will be temporarily relieved of duty.
The Emergency Department at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre will remain open 24 hours. Residents are encouraged to only utilize the Emergency Department for urgent cases. Contact 911 for medical emergencies.
Antenatal patients on Providenciales will be contacted and advised to relocate to the hospital for safety. Other high-risk patients will be determined by medical staff and contacted accordingly. Dialysis and Oncology patients at both hospital sites will be advised of changes in their scheduled treatment plans.
Supplies such medication, water, food, medical gas and fuel for backup generators have been reviewed and replenished as needed at both medical centers.
TCI Hospital will continue to monitor Hurricane Maria in collaboration with Disaster Management stakeholders. A bulletin will be issued regarding the resumption of normal services once the all clear is given.
