HSA cancels elective and non-emergency services

(CMR) The following was released by the HSA this evening:

In order to minimize any potential transmission of COVID-19 within the hospital environment and ensure the ability to sustain vital healthcare services to the country, the Health Services Authority is cancelling all elective surgeries and specialist services at the Cayman Islands Hospital and Faith Hospital effective immediately. Patients will be contacted to reschedule their appointments.

The following outpatient services will continue with normal operations
 Dialysis
 Chemo
 Mental Health
 Phlebotomy
 Pharmacy
 Little Cayman Clinic
 General Practice and all District Health Centres
 Accident & Emergency

The expanded Flu Clinic will now be operated out of the previous Mental Health Outpatient Unit as of tomorrow Monday, March 16 from 8am – 4pm, Monday-Friday.

The Flu Clinic in Cayman Brac will be operated at the Medical Wing of the Aston Rutty Centre as of Tuesday, March 17 from 8am – 4pm, Monday-Friday.

All Dental Clinics, (George Town, Bodden Town, West Bay and Merrens) and the Eye Clinic will be open for emergencies only.

Paediatric Acute Care Services will be offered from the Specialist Clinic. Children with flu symptoms will be seen in the dedicated Paediatric Flu Clinic which is located in the old Physiotherapy department.

HSA CEO Lizzette Yearwood said the organization will be making changes throughout various departments, such as Pharmacy, by limiting the number of seats in the waiting room and offering additional seating in the atrium, in an effort to ensure our patients maintain a safe social distance.

“We understand that cancelling appointments is an inconvenience, however, we are doing so in the overall best interest of our patients and the community,” Ms Yearwood stated. “With the global outbreak of COVID-19 we are taking these measures to help mitigate the spread in our islands.”

As a precautionary measure, Health Services Authority staff who have returned from overseas as of Friday March 13th will also be placed on home isolation for 14 days before returning to work. These employees will be assigned tasks, where possible, to be performed remotely.

“Protecting our patients and the community is our upmost priority as we prepare for COVID-19”.

The HSA has also restricted all visitors effective 14th March except for parents of children in the paediatric ward and those accompanying mothers in labour. All doors into the facility will be locked and only accessible to authorized personnel. Accident & Emergency will be open to patients who require immediate emergency care.

The Health Services Authority is encouraging members of the public who are experiencing flu like symptoms to contact the flu hotline on 1-800-534-8600, 947-3077 or email flu@hsa.ky.