New facilities to cater to COVID-19 patients in home isolation

The more than 12,000 COVID-19 patients in home isolation will get additional care and other assistance when needed, through two new facilities opening in St Michael and St Philip on Tuesday.

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) on Monday announced that the Belleville Assessment and Urgent Care Centre and the Frank Walcott Assessment and Isolation Centre will go into operation at the 4H/Sparman Hospital in 6th Avenue Belleville and the Frank Walcott Labour College in Mangrove, respectively.

The Belleville Assessment and Urgent Care Centre “will function as a hybrid facility to assess and manage those currently in the Home Isolation Programme whose conditions worsen, as well as those who require a more hands-on physical medical consultation”, the QEH said in a statement.

“Depending on the severity of the medical complaint, persons may be treated and allowed to return home; transported to the Accident and Emergency Department for emergency care; or admitted to the Harrison Point Isolation Centre for continued care,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Frank Walcott Assessment and Isolation Centre will provide assessment services to persons in home isolation whose conditions deteriorate.

“This centre will also function as an isolation facility for persons residing in the parishes of St John, Christ Church, and St Philip who require continued care,” the hospital added.

However, walk-ins will not be accommodated at either facility, and admission to these centres will only be facilitated through the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Operations Centre.

Persons who are in home isolation and begin to feel unwell are asked to call the Home Isolation and Quarantine Programme Hotline at 536-1800 or the QEH Help Desk at 536-4800 for guidance.
(BT/QEH)