Minister: Health centres open, ready to help

Some people in communities cut off by road closures because of flooding have been calling private doctors to get over-the-phone advice for non-emergency medical assistance.

However, in a release, the Health Ministry advised people to visit health facilities in Toco, Mayaro, Rio Claro, Brothers Road and Grande Riviere, as well as the Valencia Outreach Centre at Alexander Street, as they were open.

It also said while reaching the Sangre Grande Hospital may be difficult because of the flooding on the roads, it was also open. “Operations of the Sangre Grande Hospital continue and patients and staff are safe. Patients continue to receive care as emergency mechanisms were proactively activated.”

However, the Sangre Grande Enhanced Health Centre was closed because of impassable roads.

Those with medical emergencies were asked to visit the Arima District Health Facility at Queen Mary Avenue, Arima.

The ministry warned members of the public who live in these areas to proceed with caution if they needed urgent health care.

In a separate release, the ministry said both the La Horquetta and Arouca Health Centres had been activated as advanced medical posts in preparation for any urgent medical needs among those in the surrounding areas.

“Expanded services are now available at these health centres and staff are already on site and prepared for a surge in the demand for health care, given the extreme flooding in communities in the area.

Members of the public are strongly advised to visit these facilities only if they need urgent health care, so that resources can be directed to people who are most in need at this time.”

Those who need assistance should use the usual emergency contacts:

Police – 999/511

Ambulance – 811

TEMA – 211

Fire – 999