PEOPLE in the Western Division are being urged to make use of health centres for non-emergency cases instead of travelling to the Lautoka Hospital.

The Health Ministry said people seeking medical services should go to either the Kamikamica Health Centre in Kashmir or the Punjas Health Centre in Waiyavi, both in Lautoka.

“Arrangements have been made for these health facilities to extend their opening hours until 10pm with the deployment of more nurses and doctors,” said the ministry in a statement.

The ministry said a special 24-hour helpline had been set up and patients or members of the public who required information on the availability of services at the Lautoka Hospital should call 623 0700 (normal call charges apply).

A fire at the Lautoka Hospital in the early hours of Tuesday morning in the old operating theatre resulted in damages to the Radiology Department.

Because of the extent of the damage and the relocation of specialised equipment, the general outpatients and special outpatients clinics were temporarily put on hold and the radiology department has been shut-down while alternative arrangements were made for those needing X-rays.

The ministry is working with Lautoka Hospital management to ensure medical services continued during the setback.