Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton, says the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) has not entirely suspended accepting patients, to its emergency room.

Last Thursday, the hospital said it had implemented a temporary suspension, on accepting patient transfers.

This, due to a significant increase in the number of patients in its emergency department.

UHWI said the area had reached capacity.

However, speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the minister sought to clarify the situation.

He said the hospital is still accepting referrals, depending on patients’ conditions.

Dr Tufton said he advised the UHWI to discuss the issue with other institutions to prevent panic among citizens.

The minister explained that the UHWI had to take cases from other institutions, and this caused its emergency department to reach capacity.