Kingston, Jamaica, 18 November 2025 (PAHO) — Falmouth Public General Hospital, a 130-bed facility and lifeline for communities across Trelawny, stood among the hardest-hit health institutions during Hurricane Melissa. Violent winds and storm surge tore away an estimated 60–70% of its roof, leaving the compound exposed, waterlogged, and struggling to maintain critical services.
Behind the visible damage, the hospital’s electrical system had also been heavily compromised. Roof loss, water intrusion, and damaged wiring triggered power disruptions across multiple blocks. Several essential areas could operate only with limited generator support, while some sections had no safe electrical supply at all until detailed assessments could be completed. Clinical services were constrained, and the use of vital equipment was sharply limited.
A Rapid, Coordinated Response
Despite the devastation, a rapid and coordinated response began to take shape. Through the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Western Regional Health Authority and partners, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), along with Americares, the UK military, the private sector, and the Spanish EMT, moved swiftly to stabilize structures and clear debris.
Through PAHO intervention, emergency repairs were completed to the laundry and dental areas, restoring critical functions such as the laundry, dental department, kitchen, and the former COVID-19 building to prepare for Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) deployment.
With one operating theatre kept on standby for emergency cases, although without air conditioning, the hospital maintained a limited life-saving capacity. At the same time, it urgently needed a field hospital to provide ward space, A&E coverage, dietary support, storage, laboratory services, and a fully functional operating theatre. PAHO urgently supported the restoration of electrical power as part of this effort to stabilize services and allow emergency care to continue.
Restoring Electricity, Restoring Care
Today, new hope is on the horizon. A private engineering company completed the reinstallation of downed poles and electrical wiring for J$2.5 million. This work will enable the hospital to reconnect to the national grid supplied by the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS Co.), Jamaica’s sole electricity provider, offering much-needed relief to teams that have been working tirelessly without stable power.
Without electricity, nearly every part of the hospital was affected. Operating theatres, life-support systems, and refrigeration units for essential medicines and vaccines were running on limited backup. Diagnostic and sterilization equipment relied on temporary measures, adding to the strain on staff already working under extreme conditions.
With power restored, the hospital can resume operations, albeit in a limited capacity, enabling staff to provide uninterrupted trauma, maternity, and surgical care. The facility will once again serve residents of Trelawny, as well as patients from nearby parishes, including St. James, which was also affected by the hurricane, and where local health facilities were impacted.
A Milestone on the Road to Recovery
Thanks to these efforts and the coordinated action between PAHO, national authorities, and international and local partners, the Spanish EMT Type 1 established operations with a planned start on 10 November. The hospital was able to resume seeing patients, with 18 already receiving care, an early but significant milestone on Falmouth Hospital’s long road to recovery.
