Clinics open for persons affected by smoke at Riverton

RESIDENTS AFFECTED by the smoke from the Riverton City dump will this weekend have access to some government health clinics should they need medical attention.

Yesterday, the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) advised members of the public that the Glen Vincent and St Jago Park health centres in Kingston and St Catherine, respectively, would remain open this weekend.

Dr Andrei Cooke, SERHA board chairman, explained that the extended opening hours had become necessary in light of the steady flow of patients affected by the smoke nuisance caused by the fire at the Riverton City dump.

"These two health centres will remain open over the weekend to treat persons experiencing respiratory challenges as a result of the smoke in both parishes. We have put measures in place to effectively treat the patients who visit these facilities," Cooke said. "The centres will open from

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and then we will assess the patient load to determine the opening hours for Sunday."

Additionally, Cooke said the region would continue to monitor the situation and would put measures in place where necessary to handle any increase in the demand for services, particularly from patients with respiratory conditions.

"All our major hospitals stand ready to deal with any severe cases of respiratory illnesses, and in the event of a major fallout, the National Chest Hospital is prepared to support the major hospitals."