ODPEM, MOH ready for the worst

By Trudy Simpson, Staff Reporter

WE ARE prepared. That was the assurance given by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) on Monday.

Dr. Marion Bullock-DuCasse, Senior Medical Officer (SMO) in the Ministry of Health (MOH), said that there were contingency plans in place to offer assistance during emerging crises should the current violence in sections of Western Kingston and road blocks in the Corporate Area and St. Catherine worsen.

She was joined by the ODPEM's Director-General, Dr. Barbara Carby, who said that there was a plan in place for riot and civil unrest but the assistance given would depend on the needs during that particular situation.

"A needs analysis would have to be done (as) any help we give depends on the situation. Obviously what you can do depends on access to the areas (and) how quickly you can move freely, "Dr. Carby added.

Dr. Ducasse explained that the health ministry was keeping in contact with the management of Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) in particular and that if faced with more violence and staff shortages, the MOH would bring aspects of its contingency plan into operation.

She said that the MOH would help by diverting patients to other facilities, moving services such as scheduled surgeries from areas under siege and "as far as possible discharge patients who are able to go."

In addition, Dr. Ducasse said that the ministry had enough medical supplies, which were being closely monitored.

On the staffing shortage, Dr. Ducasse said that if push came to shove, the health ministry would be calling upon off-duty personnel but that she did not expect the situation to become so bad that the health ministry would have to call upon retired personnel. "We would certainly let people turn up for work at the facility closest to them (because) we have to ensure the safety and security of staff and patients," she said.

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