Minister of Health, Dr Fenton Ferguson said he was pleased that the Accident & Emergency (A&E) unit of the May Pen Hospital was back to normal.

The minister spoke following a tour of the facility. The hospital was forced to accept emergency-only cases because of a large volume of patients.

"Based on the recent increase in demand on the A&E department, I am very pleased to see that the hospital is dealing with a regular flow of patients, the numbers have gone down and operations are back to normal in that area," he said.

Dr Ferguson added, moving forward, the ministry is considering to improve bed space at the hospital, while exploring other options such as using the Lionel Town Hospital as an overflow facility to minimise demand at the May Pen Hospital.

"We must also observe a healthy lifestyle as this is important in minimising visits to health facilities, especially those with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes," he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Ferguson also used the visit to the hospital to meet and commend the team from the medical mission ISMS Operation Kids, USA, which has been at May Pen Hospital conducting a free paediatric surgical camp.

"I also wanted to personally recognise their contribution and thank them for the wonderful work they have done.

"I have spoken to a parent whose seven-year-old son has benefitted from an orthopedic surgery, and she is looking forward to seeing him walk for the first time," Dr Ferguson said.