The first of several emergency field hospitals has been installed in St. Elizabeth to provide critical medical support to residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

It is located at the Black River High School and was erected by the Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Assistance Response Team with the support of the Jamaica Defence Force and other partners.

The field hospital, which will open to the public soon, is equipped with more than 30 inpatient beds.

It also has one operating room for surgical procedures, an emergency room, an obstetric ward for maternal and neonatal care, as well as a laboratory, pharmacy and blood bank.

A team of 60 experienced medical and operational specialists with Samaritan’s Purse are to run the hospital, which spans some 40,000 square feet.

Speaking with Irie FM news this morning, Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton said the field hospital, in one of the hardest-hit locations, will help to bridge the gap in the health sector, while permanent facilities are restored.

Dr. Tufton noted that the Samaritan’s Purse Team will man the facility, working alongside local doctors, including staff at the Black River Hospital, to deliver care.

The Minister noted that the next emergency field hospital will be established in Falmouth, Trelawny, with others to follow.

Dr. Tufton said the facilities represent the Government’s commitment to maintaining access to essential health services, even in the most challenging circumstances.