Person with flu-like symptoms forces closure of A&E Department

A member of the public experiencing flu-like symptoms, who turned up on Monday afternoon at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) seeking care, forced the closure of the Accident and Emergency Department.

“Out of an abundance of caution, emergency services have been temporarily relocated to the Kingstown District Clinic while the patient is assessed,” a release from the Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment said.

The ministry said information would continue to be provided as it becomes available, and again advised that persons with flu-like symptoms should call ahead to a health care facility so that an assessment can be made before they access healthcare services.

At about 1:27 pm today, in a release, the ministry advised that the Accident and Emergency Department of the MCMH was temporarily closed, but did not give a reason for the closure.

The release also informed that persons seeking emergency care should attend the Kingstown District Clinic until further notice and that visiting hours at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital for Monday afternoon have also been suspended until further notice.

“This is anticipated to be a temporary measure,” the release said.