As the island braced for the passage of Tropical Storm Gustav yesterday, several hospitals across the island activated their hurricane plan to ensure the smooth running of operations.

Gustav has been lingering in the Caribbean Sea since Monday; after ravaging Haiti, it weakened and directed its path to Jamaica.

In anticipation of the hurricane, the country's major hospitals have put into effect several measures in order to accom-modate any emergency during the hurricane.

The hospitals have closed all outpatient clinics, cancelled all surgeries, except for emergencies and patients who are well enough were sent home.

A release sent out by the University Hospital of the West Indies notified other hospitals not to transfer patients without first consulting the senior director of clinical services.

Aftermath

According to the release signed by acting CEO, Dr Trevor McCartney, the measures will remain in force for the duration of Gustav and its aftermath.

CEO for the Bellevue Hospital, Hugh Anthony Porter, told The Gleaner yesterday that all the necessary plans were in place to ensure the highest level of security at hospital during the passage of Gustav.

Battened down

"We have battened down and all the patients are safe," he said.

Dr Marion Bullock-DuCasse, director of emergency, disaster management and special services at the National Emergency Operation Centre, told The Gleaner that all hospital facilities are prepared for Gustav.

"We are ready for any emergency," she said.

She added: "The hospitals are fully stocked with all the necessary pharmaceutical supplies that will be needed."