Medical emergencies put strain on Mandeville Regional Hospital

 

Chief Executive Officer of the Mandeville Regional Hospital Dr. Alwyn Miller says last year, several serious but preventable medical emergencies limited the extent of care that could have been given to patients suffering from chronic illnesses.

 

Dr. Miller, who was speaking with Radio Jamaica News recently, reflected on the hospital's performance for patient care for 2023.

 

He said that administering treatment to several people involved in motorcycle crashes among other clinical cases put a strain on the hospital's resources. 

 

"We saw during that period a number of patients presenting as a result of dengue. What is especially concerning for us are circumstances that can be prevented - accidents, motorbike accidents in particular, injuries as a result of criminal activity and so forth. There are persons with illnesses or injuries that are not preventable who must seek intervention here at the hospital and therefore those that are preventable are creating a challenge to us," he explained. 

 

Dr. Miller has also urged citizens, particularly those with chronic diseases, to be mindful of the types of foods they consume. 

 

"I would want to encourage members of the public who have non communicable diseases - the hypertension, diabetes and so forth - we are in a new year. I know they would have enjoyed all the goodies over the Christmas and some would have joined us during the Christmas holidays. We want to encourage them to be very conscious of their choices as it relates to their diet to, as best as possible, not require intervention in a hospital setting."