Eastern Health outlines Hurricane Igor response

Newfoundland and Labrador's largest health authority, Eastern Health,on Tuesdayoutlined howits facilities areresponding to emergencies in communitieshit by Hurricane Igor.

Itsaid acute and emergency care services are still being provided at its facilities but that allcommunity-based sitesthroughout the region it covers were closed as of Tuesday afternoon.

Community-based sites include community health and public health nursing offices, infant clinics and counselling centres butnot acute care or long-term care facilities.

Hurricane Igorwas downgraded to a posttropical storm Tuesday afternoon, but several roads in the provinceremained washed out, and several towns have declared states of emergency.

The highway down the Burin Peninsula south of Goobies has been closed because of flooding, and thecommunities of Gambo, Bonavista and Trinity are also experiencing serious flooding.

The health authority said anyone with a health emergency should call the nearest emergency department or the local ambulance service.

Roads that have been closed in some parts of eastern Newfoundland are still accessibleto emergency vehicles, the agency said.

If there areroads that are not accessible, Eastern Health said, it will work with local emergency responders in the area to determine how best to respond toan emergency.

Eastern Health said it had been able to respond to all the emergency calls it had received as of late Tuesday afternoon.

Access to the Health Sciences Centrein St. John's was possiblelate Tuesday afternoon, butall emergency response vehicles had been moved to other locations. Emergency vehicles not able to access the Health Sciences Centre will besent to St. Clare's.

No Eastern Health facilities had to be evacuated Tuesday afternoon.

The agencyissued anadvisory to patients who use oxygen tanks or ventilators at home.

The health authority said patients on home oxygen or ventilation who are without power and who are concerned about their batteries running out should call their equipment supplier.

All suppliers provide 24-hour support services and will be able to provide assistance, the health authority said.