Black River Hospital Repairs Underway Following Hurricane Melissa Damage

Black River Hospital suffered severe damage from Hurricane Melissa. Chief Executive Officer Diana Brown-Miller stated that repairs are ongoing for the male, pediatric, and female wards, as well as the administration block and main operating theatre. The hospital has been operating from tents since December of last year, and plans to reopen its wards by the end of October. The return to the wards is expected to provide additional bed space, including approximately 10 more beds.

The hospital's recovery is part of a larger effort in St Elizabeth Parish, where Hurricane Melissa caused $2.2 billion in destruction. The completion of repairs and the return to the wards will increase local healthcare capacity and provide additional patient space.

Hurricane Melissa caused widespread destruction in the parish, prompting a recovery roadmap proposal for St Elizabeth Parish.