ON June 14, 2023, the Chief Medical Officer, in a press statement, announced the closure of the Urgent Care Department at the Respiratory Hospital effective June 16, 2023. This closure is to facilitate the retrofitting of sections of the hospital to be used as the Castries Urban Polyclinic. Prior to this statement, a decision was taken by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs to close the respiratory clinics which were created during the Covid -19 pandemic, and to integrate this service with routine health services. In light of these closures, the Ministry of Health informs the public to visit their nearest Wellness Centres for care if they experience any flu-like symptoms.
The Ministry of Health encourages persons with respiratory symptoms or chronic illnesses to wear masks when seeking care at any of the Wellness Centres to protect against the spread of respiratory infections such as COVID-19 and influenza.
Persons are also urged to continue visiting the Wellness Centres closest to them for general health services such as screening and care for Diabetes, Hypertension, wound care, and vaccinations, among others. The Wellness Centres are opened daily from 8:00am to 4:30pm
Urgent Care services will continue to be available at the Gros Islet Polyclinic and Dennery Hospital from 8am to midnight and the Soufriere Hospital all day Monday to Sunday.
The Ministry of Health further informs the public that the Cuban Eye Clinic located at the Victoria (Respiratory) Hospital will remain open to offer regular eye care services to the general public. Persons are asked to call the clinic at 456 8282 to make appointments.
The Ministry of Health remains committed in ensuring primary health care services are available and accessible to all persons in all communities.