Andrews Memorial dispels claim it is at capacity due to dengue, COVID-19 cases

 

The privately run Andrews Memorial Hospital is moving to clear the air following a post made to social media that the hospital was at capacity following a surge in COVID-19 and dengue fever admissions.

 

The post, which was made to X, formerly Twitter, said the hospital is full to capacity and is no longer accepting admissions due to a spike in cases of the respiratory and mosquito-borne illnesses.

 

But speaking with Radio Jamaica News on Friday afternoon, President and Chief Executive Officer Donmayne Gyles said the hospital is still actively accepting and treating patients suffering from dengue and COVID-19. 

 

"We treat and admit patients with varied illnesses and surgical procedures. So yes, at any point in time we can reach capacity depending on the need or the varied illnesses that may occur across the spectrum. But to say and attribute our capacity for admission to COVID and dengue would not be correct. But we have not been refusing to see patients; we treat all patients that come in and through our doors, and those that for one reason or the other we are unable to treat, then we refer them to the next best institution," he advised. 

 

Mr. Gyles said while the hospital has been dealing with capacity related issues, those are not related to either illness.

 

But he disclosed that there has been a spike in dengue admissions. 

 

He said the increase in dengue cases has lengthened wait time for medical care at the hospital.