PHA: Only polyclinics remain open

PHA: Only polyclinics remain open

Emergency services only at PMH

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) announced today that polyclinics in New Providence will remain open until tonight, but its institutions and agencies except for areas deemed “essentials services” will close at 1 p.m.

The South Beach Health Centre, Elizabeth Estates Clinic, Fleming Street Clinic and Flamingo Gardens Clinic will remain open until 9 p.m.

The PHA advised individuals on prescription medication to visit the polyclinics to refill prescriptions to ensure they have a minimum of two weeks supply.

“Medications should be kept safe in a waterproof container of Ziploc bag and kept in a cool dry place,” the PHA said. “Hurricane Dorian is a major storm system presenting a significant threat to lives and property.”

As it relates to its institutions and agencies, the PHA said, “Staff are asked to turn off all computer equipment (monitors, CPU, printers). Where the machine may be near a window, you are asked to relocate it to another desk or area.

“Please pay attention to national news channels for community announcements and hurricane updates [as] they are broadcast, as well as PHA corporation and institutional Facebook pages for continued updates.

“We implore each and every one of you to also take every precaution to protect your person, family and property; be safe.”

The PHA advised that the emergency department at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) should only be used in the event of a medical emergency.

Emergencies are classified as gunshot wounds, chest pains, head injury, uncontrollable bleeding, loss of consciousness, major trauma or accident, asthma, severe allergic reaction, extensive burn injuries, fractures/broken bones. deep lacerations and cuts, obstetric emergencies, psychiatric emergencies such as suicidal ideation or attempts, and aggressive behavior.

Blood

 

As the storm creeps toward the northwestern islands of The Bahamas, Princess Margaret Hospital made an urgent appeal for blood donations of all types.

It said its blood banks will remain open until 4:30 p.m. today and between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. tomorrow.

For more information, the PHA advised that it can be contacted on 322-8077.

 

Dorian

 

As of 2 p.m., Dorian was located around 271 miles east, northeast of San Salvador and 439 miles east, southeast of Marsh Harbour, Abaco.

Dorian was moving northwest around 10 miles per hour and was expected to continue on that track through today.

A slower west, northwestward to westward motion is forecast to begin tonight, the Department of Meteorology reported.

The center of Dorian is expected to move over the Atlantic, well to the northeast of the central and southeast Bahamas today and tomorrow, near or over portions of the northwest Bahamas on Saturday evening or Sunday.

The Category 1 storm has maximum sustained winds of 110 miles per hour with higher gusts.

It is expected to strengthen into a Category 3 or Category 4 hurricane by the time it begins to impact portions of the northwestern islands.

“Residents in Abaco, Grand Bahama, Bimini and the Berry Islands, should rush to complete the activation of their hurricane plans as there is a strong possibility that the center of Dorian will move over or near those islands on Sunday and Sunday night,” an advisory from the Department of Meteorology read. “Residents in North Eleuthera, North Andros and New Providence should also begin to activate their hurricane plans and be prepared in the event that the track of Dorian shifts slightly to the south.”

About Royston Jones Jr.

Royston Jones Jr. is a senior digital reporter and occasional TV news anchor at Eyewitness News. Since joining Eyewitness News as a digital reporter in 2018, he has done both digital and broadcast reporting, notably providing the electoral analysis for Eyewitness News’ inaugural election night coverage, “Decision Now 2021”.