#TurksandCaicos, September 10, 2017 – Providenciales – Both hospital sites continued to function throughout the storm and successfully protected its occupants despite challenges from the unprecedented intense weather conditions from Category 5 Hurricane Irma.
There was a contained breach in a section of the roof at Cockburn Town Medical Centre on Grand Turk, which has been temporarily repaired. Cheshire Hall Medical Centre on Providenciales sustained roof damages and an analysis is being conducted. Compared to other hurricane ravaged countries, the surrounding physical structure of both healthcare centres were resilient. Both medical centres are currently being powered by generators until electricity is restored by Fortis TCI.
Several surgeries were performed during the storm and two babies were delivered at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. We wish to express appreciation to our Medical Teams and Support Services staff from all departments at both centres who remained onsite during the storm.
*UPDATE ON RESUMPTION OF NORMAL SERVICES*
Cheshire Hall Medical Centre:
The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital remains under emergency operation mode at both centres. The Outpatient Department at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre will provide limited services for Obstetric Patients/Expectant mothers, especially patients 36 weeks or more, and Surgical patients who secured appointments prior to Hurricane Irma, effective Monday, September 11th, 2017.
Efforts will be made to contact patients, however, due to telecommunication service disruptions, some patients may be unreachable. If you are an expectant mother or surgical patient with a pre-arranged appointment, please visit the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre on the aforementioned date for guidance.
Clinics such as Internal Medicine, Rehabilitation, Diagnostic Imaging, Paediatrics, Orthopaedic and Family Practice will remain closed at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre until further notice. Since both medical centres are currently generator-powered, all elective surgeries have been postponed until further notice.
Dialysis Services resumed immediately post-Hurricane Irma. Oncology patients will be contacted regarding their scheduled treatments. Please visit our Help Desk at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre main reception for more information.
TCI Hospital is currently liaising with the Government’s National Blood Bank to obtain additional blood units as a precautionary measure. Interested donors are invited to visit the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales on Monday, September 11th, 2017 after 10:00am.
Cockburn Town Medical Centre:
Due to the declaration of Grand Turk in a ‘State of Emergency’, Cockburn Town Medical Centre will continue to only offer Emergency Services. All other clinics will remain suspended until further notice.
Release: interHealthCanada