The Soufriere Hospital in Saint Lucia was yet again the scene of another fire within one month as a major blaze raged at the rear of the facility on Saturday at around 7pm, causing extensive structural damage and the loss of vital pieces of equipment and supplies.
Another fire occurred last month on November 14; however, swift action by staff, residents of Soufriere and fire officials quickly arrested the first fire, which caused little damage to the facility.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Merlene Fredericks, said “We lost the mental health section, the maternity section, a fully stocked storeroom with medical supplies. We also lost some new 10th European Development Funded equipment.”
According to a report by St. Lucia News Online, investigations have began into the cause of the fire and though the primary healthcare section of the hospital was not damaged, all salvageable items within the facility will immediately be removed and relocated until both the investigation and an assessment of the damage has been completed.
Fredericks also reported that the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has been alerted about the fire as replacement supplies and equipment may need to be procured.
