The Mandeville Regional Hospital in Manchester is operating above capacity, following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Chief Executive Officer Alwyn Miller says the increase in admissions is being driven by an influx of patients from other parishes.

Several patients were transferred to Mandeville Hospital, after category 5 Hurricane Melissa damaged health facilities in parishes including, St. Elizabeth, St. James and Trelawny.

In an interview today Mr. Miller said admissions are over 45 per cent of normal bed capacity which is 226.

He is urging persons to exercise caution and avoid activities which may result in injury and require hospitalization.