WELLNESS CENTRES WILL BE CLOSED ON CHRISTMAS DAY, CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY, NEW YEAR’S DAY, AND NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAY. HOSPITALS WILL REMAIN OPEN.

Statement by Principal Nursing Officer – Julietta Frederick-Cassius

The year 2020 has been a very challenging and unprecedented time for us all particularly for the health sector in ensuring we respond adequately and effectively to COVID-19 and at the same time to continue the provision of health care to all persons in all communities.

The Department of Health and Wellness through its 32 Wellness Centres, polyclinic and district hospitals was able to continue delivery of healthcare services to persons who need it the most such as persons with chronic diseases, the elderly, persons with disabilities, women in their pregnancy and after birth, and children. We applaud all persons who have been following the COVID-19 protocols while accessing health care at the Primary Care Facilities and urge you to continue doing so during the course of this pandemic. Taking personal responsibility in exercising all the public health measures in keeping yourself, your families, and loved ones safe and in good health remains paramount in keeping the COVID-19 virus at bay and breaking the chain of virus transmission thereby reducing the number of cases in country.

The Department of Health and Wellness urges everyone to continue accessing healthcare at all our Wellness Centres during the Christmas season which will be opened except on Christmas Day, Christmas Holiday, New Year’s Day, and New Year’s Holiday. However the Gros Islet, Dennery and Soufriere Hospitals will remain open to serve you during the holidays.

The Respiratory clinics opening hours for persons with respiratory symptoms and persons needing a PCR test for travel, are as follows:

• Gros Islet Respiratory Clinic from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day and on Sunday, Dec. 27. It will be closed on Christmas Holiday and New Year’s Holiday
• Vieux Fort and La Clery Respiratory Clinics from 8am to 4pm on Christmas Holiday and New Year’s Holiday.

Persons are encouraged to call their health care provider at their Wellness Centre for an appointment or to discuss any health concerns they may have. Remember to stock on all health essentials such as medicines, medical supplies, and other health essentials, so you can effectively manage your health condition and reduce any worsening or becoming severely ill during the holidays. Additionally for good health, maintain a healthy diet, include lots of fruits and vegetables, drink plenty water, exercise and limit the consumption of alcohol.

During the festive season, the Department of Health encourages you to take all precautionary and necessary measures to avoid becoming infected with the COVID-19 virus.

Spend quality time with your family whether it be in the home or virtual. This will help in relieving the pressures and improve your mental health. A good mental health translates to good physical health.

The Department of Health wishes all staff of the Primary Wellness Centres and the general public a safe and enjoyable holiday season and a hoping for a more prosperous and merrier 2021.